Stage set for Expo 2012

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

A significant importance had been paid to develop exports in many parts of the world and having a vibrant sector could fuel economic growth in a sustainable manner. The importance of exports is common to any country. The sector dominates the economy of any country as in the case in Germany, France, Italy, Greece, USA, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea and Malaysia. Therefore, the key emphasis of our country should be to ensure exports play a predominant role in keeping with the world trend, Sri Lanka Export Development Board Chairman/CEO Janaka Ratnayake told ‘Daily News Business'.

'Exports play a major role as it constitutes 1.5 percent of the country's GDP and its importance for sustainable development have been felt today as never before,' he said. The country was able to maintain a 22 percent growth in exports for the past two years and it is timely that Sri Lanka Expo 2012 will be conducted from March 28 to 31 at the BMICH in Colombo after a lap of many years. The Expo 2012 will mark a significant mile stone in the country's export sector as it recorded the highest ever revenue last year surpassing the

target set for the year. We are optimistic that this trend will continue and exhibitions of this nature will provide the impetus for the sartorial growth, he said.

This will be inline with international exhibitions in the caliber of trade fairs in Canton in China, Hanova in Germany where the venues have become famous for trade fairs. Sri Lanka will be aiming to create similar hype through Expo 2012. The exhibition while initially aims at attracting over 1,000 exporters from strategic sectors , expects over 1,000 international visitors by creating a platform to build linkages. The 350 local exporters at the exhibition will range from large to medium scale, while over 60 small scale exporters too will showcase capabilities, he said.

This would give the opportunity for the large scale exporters to consolidate and the small and medium scale exporters to move upward

penetrating into new markets. There will be a special pavilion for SMEs highlighting the significant of the sector in the economy.

“The exhibition will go beyond finding buyers to promote investment and tourism and also will be looking at opportunities to increase skill migration,” Ratnayake said.