Agro based export processing zones through Budget 2009 - Minister
Prof. G.L. Peiris
The Budget has allocated sufficient funding to increase the Export
revenue which is the live-wire of our economy and to see that its
benefits percolate to the masses in the provinces, said Export
Development and International Trade Minister G.L. Peiris.
The Minister made these comments on Tuesday at a media conference at
the Export Development Board to brief the media on special concessions
and funding provided by the Budget 2009 for development of Exports.
He said Rs. 500 million has been allocated to set up Agro based
export processing zones and to provide concessions to exporters to be
competitive in the volatile International Market which is facing the
effects of the world economic crisis.
Rs. 1,000 million is allocated to find new markets for our products
and to develop existing markets. It is also proposed to bring down the
fuel surcharge levied by the Ceylon Electricity Board to 15 per cent
litre he said.
Among other concessions are the reduction of the price of Furnace oil
to Rs. 55 per litter and to suspend the repayment of loan instalments
obtained for Industrial purposes by six months.
The Minister said support for the production of Tea for export, a
preparation of national Tax policy and setting up of a powerful
structure for industrial development are also included in the proposals.
He said the Sri Lanka Export Development Board is making arrangements
to set up three new branch offices in Hambanthota, Ampara and Kaluthara,
apart from the branches already operating in Kandy, Hambanthota and
Galle.
Secretary to the Ministry of Export Development and International
Trade S. Ranugge, Chairman EDB Anil Koswatte, DG Sujatha Weerakoon were
also present at the meeting. |