Lanka targets $ 15b exports for 2015
Sri Lanka's future prosperity depends on a vibrant, dynamic and
innovative export sector. And Sri Lanka Expo 2012 will contribute
towards achieving the set export targets. I request all to assist the
Export Development Board to conduct the Expo 2012 successfully, says
Minister of Industry and Commerce, Rishad Bathiudeen.
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Minister Bathiudeen, (left) launches
the Sri Lanka Expo 2010 as Chairman, Export Development
Board (right) Janaka Ratnayake, looks on. |
Minister Bathiudeen was addressing the mega launch of Sri Lanka Expo
2012 held in Colombo's Cinnamon Grand on Tuesday 06 September. This Expo
2012 international trade fair and the mega trade promotion organized by
the Export Development Board under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce
is scheduled to be held in March, 2012. This is a combination of
exhibition, symposiums, keynote addresses and corporate events with the
theme of "Partnering with the hub of Asia."
"As you all are aware, our exports are growing steadily. The total
value of exports has increased from US dollars 7.1 billion in 2009 to US
dollars 8.3 billion in 2010. The target set is US dollars 15 billion for
2015 and US dollars 20 billion in 2020. I am confident that the holding
of the Sri Lanka Expo 2012, will contribute towards achieving the set
export targets," Minister Bathiudeen said.
"It will be an opportunity to network, make contacts and speak with
other likeminded people, who understand and appreciate, the challenges
the business community face. This will further give you an opportunity,
to pick up new ideas, and perhaps most importantly, it is a chance to
think about, how you can do things, even better and be more efficient
and more profitable," Minister Bathiudeen added.
Speaking on the hub of Asia, Minister Bathiudeen said: "The Mahinda
Chintana, the way forward, the government's policy document, envisages
Sri Lanka to be transformed, as a strategically important economic
centre of the world. In this transformation, Sri Lanka will be developed
into five hubs providing links between the East and the West. These hubs
are a maritime hub, an aviation hub, a Commercial Hub, an Energy Hub and
a Knowledge Hub.
The theme of Sri Lanka Expo 2012 - "Partnering with hub of Asia" has
therefore, been developed to be in line with this. Following the dawn of
peace in the island, our Economy has been put into an accelerated growth
path. Our challenge is to maintain an 8-10% growth in the next five
years, which will result in doubling of the per capita income, from the
current level of US dollars 2,000 to US dollars 4,000 by 2016.
This growth will eliminate unemployment, the major cause for unrest
among our youth. We are ensuring economic stability, through prudent
macro-economic and monetary policies. Relaxation of exchange control
regulations will create an investor friendly environment. The government
has recognized the need for rapid development of infrastructural
facilities, such as Ports, Airports, better Highways and efficient
Transport, reliable Electricity and Telecommunication.
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