Potential for Lanka, Maldives to work together :

'Output better when countries join hands'

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA in Male, Maldives

Sri Lanka and Maldives have always had close ties as neighbouring countries. Now that stability has been established in Sri Lanka, there is a greater potential for the two countries to work together, said Maldivian Economic Development Minister Mahmood Razee.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the seventh Hotel Asia 2011 Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge in Male, Maldives, the minister said that while every country will be competing with other countries, the output is better when they join hands.

"We have recognized the strides that the Sri Lankan professionals had achieved over the years. It is obviously much higher than most of the Maldivians. This event is a good opportunity for us to interact. Sri Lanka encompasses a 20 million population while we are only of 400,000. There is a lot more for us to learn from them. That is something positive and it enhances the competition. The standards are raised. I see the closeness increasing between the two countries. It benefits the economic growth of both countries," he said.

The Maldivian government is trying to engage the private sector more in the industry. This is a move that they encourage in their neighbouring countries.

"We are trying to revamp the legislation and policies to encourage not only the local private sector but the private sector of other countries to participate. We hope that the companies will make use of this opportunity to exploit that further," Razee said.

Hotel Asia 2011 Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge brings together hoteliers, service providers and chefs from across the world under one roof to network and make deals with suppliers who showcase their products. Items ranging from catering supplies to technology to spa products are available at the event.

Held since 2002, the event had gained recognition through the years as the biggest exhibition in the Maldives. Participants from Sri Lanka, India, Maldives, UAE, USA, Australia, Singapore, China, Malaysia and Europe are taking part in the event.

Around 342 chefs compete in this year's Culinary Challenge while 72 stalls from 58 companies are on display. A 12 member jury comprising internationally reputed chefs from Austria, Switzerland, Singapore and Sri Lanka will select the winners in 15 categories. More than 100 Sri Lankans are taking part in Hotel Asia 2011 Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge.

The participating chefs will be given certificates of participation, medals along with special prizes for individual category winners. The 'Most Outstanding Chef' will be invited to participate at the Culinary Challenge at Food and Hotel Asia in Singapore in 2012 and a team of four Maldivian nationals will be selected from the 2010/2011 events to represent the Maldives at the Culinary Challenge at Food and Hotel Asia, Singapore, in 2012.

Organized by the Maldives Exhibition and Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd together with Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services, Hotel Asia 2011 Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge unfurls at the Dharubaruge Exhibition Centre till July 16.