Local investor confidence high:

Treasury Secretary says Lankan exporters outstanding

Charumini de Silva

The capability of Sri Lankan exporters is outstanding, but only few have understood it and are using it practically. It is remarkable how Sri Lankan exporters have performed resiliently to record a reasonable export growth during the past two years, although exporters had to face several setbacks in international markets due to the global economic downturn and pressure exerted by buyers demanding lower prices, Finance and Planning Ministry Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundara said.

Speaking to the Members of National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) last week he said the country was thinking within a frame during the past decades and now it is time to think beyond.

“A major change in positive attitudes is vital. It is necessary to have young and creative managers. Now it is not the time for ownership, but for vibrant managers that could sail the ship faster, but in a sustaining manner in the sea of success”, Dr. Jayasundera said.

He said the progress of business has to be aggressive and active. Achieving numbers are not impossible. It could be matched. Sri Lanka is a skilled nation.

The country brings in over US$ three billion foreign exchange from unskilled women employed in the Middle-East countries.

Lanka could gain more from the skilled professionals like doctors, engineers, nurses, lawyers and accountants as well.

The buoyant growth in the county was achieved through many commitments and not through agreements. The local and foreign investor confidence is high as the country has permanent peace to continue their business.

There are many opportunities ahead in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, food processing, construction, apparel, furniture and even beauty products. “Our exporters have succeeded in the global arena well ahead of Western economies. The country’s foreign reserves reached US$ six billion, which is a significant achievement”, he said.

Regular research and development is essential to provide value added products to the market. There is a huge demand for value added products in the international market. Rather than just exporting bulk tea, we could export tea after value addition. Then demand and a competition would be created.

“We are in an era in Asia. The geography has shifted from the Western countries to the East and the South of the Asian countries. This bullish environment will help us too,” he said.

“The country’s home-based economy is stable. We need to make it stronger.

The key for that is to recognize local entrepreneurs. Guide, safeguard and provide fundamentals to enhance their business. Sri Lanka will be a paradigm to the global economy. This is not a dream of one person, but a dream of majority of Sri Lankans,” he said.