GSP+ decision won’t affect economy - NCE President
Sanjeevi Jayasuriya
The GSP+ uncertainty will not affect the economy of Sri Lanka and its
impact on the apparel sector will be minimal. The industry needs to move
forward under brand names where the country will be in a better position
to compete with other countries, said President, National Chamber of
Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) Rohan Fernando.
| At
a glance |
| * Strength to
take apparel sector to new heights
* Country to become a
ten-billion dollar economy soon
*NCE to recognize exporters’
efforts |
|
Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel Chairperson, Leisha De Silva
Chandrasena and NCE President Rohan Fernando unveiling the NCE
export award trophy at the press conference. Sri Lanka Telecom
Mobitel, Chief Executive Officer Suren J. Amarasekera looks on.
Picture by Saliya Rupasinghe |
“We have the strength to take Sri Lanka’s apparel sector to new
heights. The country needs to focus more on emerging markets such as
China. The apparel sector faced the global recession in a commendable
manner. The drop in apparel exports was only three percent for the first
six months of this year compared to the corresponding period last year,”
he said. The end of the war has given the country tremendous potential.
It is important to focus more on sectors such as agriculture, fisheries,
mineral resources and gems.
The country could benefit with these diversified sectors, he said.
“The country’s export sector suffered an 18 percent drop in dollar
terms for the first six months this year. However, we could achieve an
export value closer to last year’s figure of US $ 8 billion. We have
already exceeded the US $ three billion mark for the first six months
this year. The country would soon become a ten-billion dollar economy,”
he said.
“It is important to recognize the contribution by the export sector.
The NCE will hold the 17th annual export award ceremony on September 25.
The business community, especially the export sector continued to
perform and sustain their activities notwithstanding the world economic
downturn. It is fitting that we appreciate their contribution,” he said.
The export sector is the true engine of growth in the country. The
award scheme will recognize the efforts of exporters in the areas of
brand building, value addition, environment and health standards,
research and development, he said.
The NCE export award scheme started in 1993 with only 32 members.
Twelve applications were received for the scheme and nine were rewarded.
Today the membership has grown to 500 members and 140 have applied for
the award scheme, a 20 percent increase from last year’s number of
applicants. |
