Expo Bazaar 2011:

US $ 15 billion exports by 2015

Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) chairman and Chief Executive Janaka Ratnayake said that the Board is implementing its strategic plan for the next five years at a target of US$ 15 billion exports by 2015, committing to make the Mahinda Chinthana vision a reality.

He said so at the successful conclusion of the Expo Bazaar 2011 Exhibition and Trade Fair organized by the SLEDB at Greenpath from April 8 to 10.

"This exhibition provided an opportunity to take this message to the masses," he added.

He said that Sri Lanka was able to achieve US$ 8.3 billion exports in 2010 showing 17.26 percent increase of exports compared to the previous year which was US$ 7.1 billion.

The Expo Bazaar 2011 was organized to encourage leading exporters to demonstrate their capabilities and contribution towards the national economy with their high quality products and services offered to the international market.

The exhibition stimulated a new export culture in Sri Lanka to create awareness of products manufactured in Sri Lanka and the importance and advantages of export trade, among the general public. About 150 leading exporters involved in apparel, tea, rubber products, information technology, software and electronic, aquarium fish, cut flowers and foliage, gems and jewellery, food and beverages, spices, coconut products, fruits and vegetables, porcelain products, boats, handicraft, herbal products, plastics, giftware and handloom, participated in the exhibition.

The diplomatic community, foreign buyers and about 15,000 people visited the trade exhibition.

Expo Bazaar 2011 was ceremonially opened by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa with the participation of Commerce and Industry minister Rishad Bathiudeen, Commerce and Industry Deputy Minister Jayarathna Herath, MP Namal Rajapaksa and other Ministers and MPs.