Streamline programmes focusing low-income groups - Minister

Walter LIYANARACHCHI

PROGRAMME: New mechanisms and strategies have to be adopted and programmes focusing low-income groups streamlined to develop this export sector and international trade, Export Development and International Trade Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said.

He said so addressing the Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation Chairman and key officials of the corporation.

He said that the income derived from exports could be termed as the life blood of the country’s economy.

There should exist very good coordination among the Export Development Board (EDB), Department of Commerce and the SLECIC, who individually and collectively play a major role in generating the foreign exchange for the country.

Mechanisms employed to achieve objectives of the corporation must change according to the changing times.

Objectives must remain steadfast but the mechanisms must improve and be more creative, Prof. Pieris said.

He further said that the number of people seeking employment abroad is rising rapidly and the APARA programme of the SLECIC that helps such people to cover their initial costs must be improved.

The important role that APARA could play comes to light when we realize that in most instances of people seeking foreign employment that they are forced to mortgage their properties to secure the initial funds.

He also reiterated the need for the Corporation to look at other non-traditional methods of increasing the revenue.