Lanka's exports to Italy rise 61 percent

Anjana Samarasinghe

INCREASE: Exports from Sri Lanka to Italy have increased by 61 percent during first nine months of last year.

According to ISTATS Italy, total imports from Sri Lanka to Italy recorded nearly Euro 160 million in January to September in 2006. Apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted, were the highest contributor to total imports from Sri Lanka and were recorded as Euro 64.2 million. This segment has shown 77 percent growth during the first nine months of last year.

Articles Of Apparel and Clothing Accessories, Not Knitted Or Crocheted contributed Euro 42 million, showing 62 percent growth. Rubber and articles imports have recorded Euro 22 million with a 20 percent growth.

Imports of carpets, other textile floor coverings and gem, precious metals, jewellery have gained significant growth during this period.

According to ISTATS statistics carpets and other textile floor coverings have shown 1571 percent while gem, precious metals, jewellery imports from Sri Lanka to Italy reported 1792 percent growth during the period.

Import of boiler, machinery and mechanical appliance parts from Sri Lanka to Italy recorded Euro 1.5 million with a 42 percent growth.

Report also said footwear, gaiters and parts imported from Sri Lanka to Italy recorded 121 percent increase contributing Euro 2.7 million to the total imports.

Assistant Director of Export Development Board EDB Sriyani De Saram told "Daily News" EDB organised a business development and market promotion programme in France, Italy and Germany in 2006 for local footwear manufacturers and exporters.

The EU buyers express willingness to work with the Sri Lankan manufacturers under this programme. This promotional programme has contributed successfully to the footwear trade between two countries, she said.

EDB plans to organise a local footwear and leather products exhibition together with Sri Lanka Footwear Association to promote the image of the industry at the end of this year. Plans are also to invite foreign buyers to the event.

Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates imports showed 91 percent growth. Toys, games and sports requisites; parts and accessories imports recorded 36 percent growth during this period.

However statistics also shows coffee, tea and spice imports has showed 5 percent decline. In first nine months this segment has contributed Euro 3.9 million while it was Euro 4.1 million during the same period of 2005. Import of ceramic products from Sri Lanka too showed 9 percent decline.