Jaffna Int'l Trade Fair 2013 begins Jan. 18

The Northern peninsula is preparing for the commencement of the Jaffna International Trade Fair (JIFT) 2013 on January18 for the fourth consecutive year at the end of the harvest festival Thai Pongal.

The exhibition which has risen to a ‘must attend to’ event by citizens, businessman, traders and entrepreneurs of the North will be held at the Duraiappa stadium in the heart of the peninsula. The trade fair which comprises both local and international stalls holders catering to a diverse variety of needs and services drew a gathering of over 50,000 visitors in its last edition and has been considered the single most focal point for a wide spectrum of investors and citizens.

The fair which is partnered with the Ministry of Traditional Industries & Small Enterprise Development, Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), Chamber of Commerce & Industries of Yarlpanam (CCIY), Consulate General of India in Jaffna, Jaffna Municipal Council and Sri Lanka Convention Bureau has grown hand in hand with the people of Jaffna during its four years. The dawn of peace in the North has brought in new hope to the region and today Jaffna which was once considered virgin territory for investment has witnessed a gradual development in lifestyle and infrastructure development giving the people of Jaffna a chance to explore and focus on the regions potential and growth.

Director of Lanka Exhibition Services, Imran Hassan said that the market in the Northern region has matured since the inception of the event four years ago.“The entire dynamics of the market is gradually changing. When we went in first Jaffna was unknown territory and we were the first to enter and explore the region. But today everything is changing with the massive amount of infrastructure and livelihood development in the area. There is now a chance of sustained growth and an expansion of investment and the trade fair will provide the ideal opportunity for markets to meet market, and consumers to meet service and solution providers” he said. He also said that the exhibition would provide and ideal opportunity for companies to meet their target consumer base.

“Companies to reach their targeted audience and meet their business expectations while providing a base for the consumers an easy access to latest products, service and solution providers in the market,” he said.