Boost for Lanka's exports to Russia

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) will conduct a brainstorming session within the membership of the Sri Lanka - Russia Business Council (SLRBC) on March 19 to develop an integrated marketing plan to boost Sri Lanka's exports to the Russian Federation during 2009/2010.

Sri Lanka's exports to the Russian Federation in 2008 was US$ 220.8 mn, a 23% annual growth.

The objective of this exercise is to double this export growth. It has been identified that the Russian market has a vast potential for Sri Lanka's products and services.

Sri Lanka's exports to the Russian Federation includes, tea - bulk and value added, coco pea/coconut fiber, Activated carbon, cut flowers/ foliage, aquarium fish, gem and jewellery, stationery and paper products, ceramic, porcelain, tyres, tubes and garments.

In the context of global recession and the drop in some of the traditional Sri Lankan export markets, the EDB looks forward to diversify markets and to develop potential markets such as the Russian Federation.

One of the objectives of this exercise is also to identify new product sectors which can be promoted in the Russian Federation.

The EDB will launch a PR campaign in the Russian market to create the awareness of these selected product sectors within the Russian Federation.