Encouraging exporters

EXPORTS are the lifeblood of the Nation. It is with this thought in mind that the Government has recognised and rewarded Sri Lankan exporters who have excelled in their chosen categories.

Indeed, the Presidential Export Awards signify the Government’s commitment towards developing the export sector.

Just a couple of decades ago, Sri Lanka was known primarily for its tea, coconut and rubber. Now the picture has changed with the rapid expansion of the garment and gem/jewellery industries and other non-traditional industries, including the software sector.

These exporters have made Sri Lanka a household name the world over. There is hardly any household in the West that does not have a Sri Lankan product, be it tea or fine china.

Exporters face a multitude of challenges in today’s highly competitive world. Quality has become the number one issue, as opposed to quantity. Discerning buyers the world over are prepared to pay higher prices for genuine, high-quality products.

The ever-rising shipping and courier charges pose another problem. Red tape has almost been eliminated on our side, but bureaucratic regulations and tariff barriers in receiving countries still make life difficult for exporters.

Exporters must also explore new avenues and markets for their products, instead of depending on traditional markets.

Unfortunately, intra-SAARC trade is still at a low level in spite of a number of Free Trade Agreements. SAARC, as well as emerging markets such as Central Asia and South America must figure on our exporters’ radar.

Marketing strategies are vital for establishing new business opportunities. Exporters, especially those from the Small and Medium Enterprises sector, must be encouraged to participate in trade fairs in reputed cities so that they can secure lucrative orders. More financial assistance should be provided for such endeavours.

The Government’s numerous bodies handling exports, including the Export Development Board, must coordinate their plans and actions to develop exports. Only such a collective effort will lead to a drastic increase in exports and a consequent rise in foreign exchange.

Migrant workers’ welfare

A front-page report in yesterday’s Daily News revealed that plans are being drawn up to provide a pension to Lanka’s 1.4 million migrant workers. This is a step in the right direction.

They render a yeoman service to the country by remitting billions of dollars every year and indeed, deserve to be recognised and rewarded in the same way as exporters.

At the moment, only the country’s one million public servants and personnel in a few other categories are eligible for pensions.

A pension ensures financial independence and freedom in old age. Our migrant workers give the best years of their lives for the country and it is only fitting that they are given more facilities including a pension.

They are already given a duty free allowance to buy consumer durables on their return after one or more years. This allowance could be increased, depending on the number of years they have served abroad.

It is also a pity that while MPs and Government Servants are issued duty free/duty concessionary permits to import vehicles, migrant workers are not included in such a scheme.

A duty concessionary scheme could be formulated for the migrant workers, again depending on the number of years they have worked overseas.

They can also be directed to purchase locally assembled passenger and utility vehicles using this permit, thus saving foreign exchange.

Private sector institutions such as banks should also be encouraged to recognise migrant workers. It is true that banks already have special accounts schemes for them, but housing loans at preferential interest rates and special leasing packages can also be considered.

It is also necessary to guide returning migrant workers to appropriate vocations so that the country can continue to seek their contribution to national development.

Both semi-skilled and skilled expat workers pick up additional qualifications and experience in their fields during the years they spend overseas, which can be channelled to the local job market and hence, the development efforts.

They can also be called upon to train aspiring foreign job seekers. Indeed, migrant workers must be accorded a much better place in the national development strategy.