Council moots brand image for Lankan food
Ruwanthi Abeyakoon
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President elect, National Agri-Business Council Sarath Silva,
Secretary Ministry of Industrial Development W. Guruge and Chairman,
National Agri Business Council Mario de Alwis at the launch.
Picture by Sumanachandra Ariyawansa
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AGRI-BUSINESS: A private-rural sector partnership will be
established by the end of this year bringing in the informal sector to
develop the national economy, Chairman, National Agri Business Council,
Mario de Alwis said at the launch of `Pro Foods/Pro Pack and AgBiz
2007'.
"It is time for the private sector to listen to the negativeness of
the ground level people. Private sector should take the responsibility
of bringing the two sectors together," he said.
He said the idea of the event was to give the opportunity for the
farmer community to interact with others. "Twenty councils from twenty
districts will be brought together. So far 11 councils have been
established. Our aim is to bring together all the agricultural districts
creating a brand image for Sri Lankan food," de Alwis said.
"The AgBiz component was the final link and an important one where
the intermediaries have a proper partnership with the suppliers in the
rural sector.
"In a free market situation this partnership is vital for the food
security in the country and this time this partnership was forged on
such a large scale since Sri Lanka's market opened in 1977," he pointed
out.
President elect, National Agri Business Council, Sarath Silva said
ensuring the welfare of the farmer goes beyond Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR). "Developing the farmer cannot be placed merely
under CSR. Developing the farmer is also developing the economic
possibilities of the country. The Council has introduced a series of
awards for best performance," Silva said.
"Food processing sector is one of the most dynamic sectors. In the
first two months of the year it recorded a growth rate of 27.7 per cent.
It was the highest in all other industrial sectors," Secretary,
Industrial Development Ministry, W. Guruge said.
President, Sri Lanka Food Processing Association, Nanda Kohona said
local and international participation have grown throughout the year.
"We have invited the counterparts in the SAARC region. This event will
enhance their knowledge," he said.
This event will be held from July 20 to 22 at the Sirimavo
Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre.
In addition to food companies the event will also feature packaging
companies. |
