The significance of ITPO in the Sri Lankan export sector

Under the Indo Sri Lanka Free-trade Agreement sign in 1998, the Government of India is under obligation to grant duty free access to all exports from Sri Lanka or in turn of items freely imported to India under the schedule list of item agreed upon.

50% margin of preference for items are allowed as per a schedule period of operation and nothing in the agreement shall prevent any party of taking action and adopting measures necessary for the protection of national security, political, morals or public life.

The agreement is reviewed by a joint committee at ministerial level on the removal of tariff operational within a schedule period the items for export are listed and categorised under the HS Code. Indian Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) provides a wide spectrum of services on trade and industry, acts as a catalyst for growth of India's Trade.

It is an armed agency of the government of India ITPO approves fostering of International Trade Fairs in India and regulates of holding various expositions within India to avoid any duplication of Trade promotional efforts.

ITPO Managers India's only would class exhibition complex spread over hundred and forty nine acres of prime lands in the heart of India's capital. It offers 67.445 sq. mtrs of exhibition space an open display area.

ITPO has extensive infrastructure as well as marketing and information facilities which are availed both by exporters and importers. It provides information relating to outsourching from India, availability of prices, delivery schedules, exporters credit worthiness, trade and information policy and information on joint venture an investment capabilities.

ITPO concentrates on specific buyers in overseas markets, specific exports and specific products. It is this micro or pinpointed approach to export promotion which marks it out from other export promotion bodies in the country.

ITPO range of activities are as follows:

Fix appointments with Indian exporters.

Organise visits to manufacturing units.

Arrange display of product for you

Local suitable manufacturers to carry out modification and product adaptation.

Identify manufacturing units for export oriented joint ventures and

Supply data on capacity equipment quality control etc. about ITPO's member firms. ITPO's activities are in keeping with the post independence slogan "Buy India". ITPO services are available to overseas buyers free.

With regard to problems of Sri Lankan exporters with their products coming under control under the Indo Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement the service of ITPO is open for the export community.

E-mail [email protected].

Bandula Nonis, Trade Information Service (EDB)