Chamber in Spain trade mission

Record increase in exports:

Sri Lanka's exports to Spain have increased gradually since 2004 from Rs 3,925 million to Rs 7,149 million in 2008.

According to the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), exports to Portugal has increased by 46 percent between 2006 (Rs 430 million) and 2007 (Rs 628 million).

In 2008 there was a 7 percent drop from Rs 628 million into Rs 584 Million.

This could be attributed to the economic recession in the European region during this period. However, imports doubled in 2008 from Rs 251 million in 2007 to Rs 514 million in 2008.

These figures clearly indicate that there is high potential for two way trade between Sri Lanka - Spain and Portugal, the Ceylon Chamber said.

The CCC Trade Fair Unit with the support of the Sri Lankan Embassy in France, will be organising a Business Promotion Mission to Spain and Portugal from May 15 to 23.

The main focus of this mission is to offer opportunities to the members to penetrate into these markets and to strengthen trade ties and establish business links. Trade, investment, joint ventures, technology transfer and services.

This is the first occasion the CCC has ventured into exploring the potential in these two markets.

The highlights of the mission will be One-to-One Business meetings with business communities and officials and members of the Chambers of Commerce in Madrid and Lisbon. Members will have direct dialogue with their business associates.

The products which are exported from Sri Lanka are identified as apparel and clothing (knitted and crocheted and not knitted and crocheted), natural rubber and rubber products (Inner tubes of rubber for bicycles. Retreaded Pneumatic tyres, Gloves, Footwear, Floor Coverings, Gaskets, Washers and other seals), Tobacco. Coffee, Tea and Spices, Paper Yarn, Edible Fruits and Nuts, Essential Oils, Ceramic Tiles/Tablewear/Household articles, Fresh Coconuts and Woven Fabric of Paper Yarn.