Boost for spice sector

Export Development and International Trade Minister Professor G.L. Peiris met representatives of companies in the spice sector to discuss a wide range of issues relating to the strengthening of their trade performance.

One of the main issues discussed was the concept of branding and its usefulness in relation to the marketing of cinnamon and other products.

Prof. Peiris explained to industry representatives measures which had been taken by his Ministry in this area. Cabinet approval has been granted to the Export Development Board to hold the ownership of the Ceylon Cinnamon Brand.

It has also been decided to appoint three committees regarding the scientific identification, logo design and preparation of rules and regulations and certification procedure of Brand launching program. All three committees will represent the relevant institution and an EDB will act as the focal body of the program.

The Spice Council raised that the cinnamon dealers have certain issues with regard to the new Comprehensive Rural Credit Scheme that is implemented for cinnamon with Commercial Banks. Minister Peiris said that he would convene a joint meeting of representatives of the spice sector and commercial banks.

The industry representatives present were the Spice Council, Department of Export Agriculture, ITI, Department of Commerce, SLSI, SGS, National Intellectual Property Office of Sri Lanka, etc.