New vistas for Northern entrepreneurs at JIFT 2013

Shirajiv Sirimane in Jaffna

The Jaffna International Trade Fair (JIFT) has opened up new vistas for the Northern entrepreneurs said V. Mahalingam Consul General of India in Jaffna.

Speaking at the opening of the three day fair yesterday Mahalingam said that it has helped the northern businessmen to find new partners not only from the South but even from overseas he said.

He also stated that the Indian government is also involved in assigning the Kankesanthurai harbour and in re-setting up of the Achchuveli economic zone. He further stated that India who is Sri Lanka's biggest trading partner would extend further assistance for Entrepreneurs.

The Exhibition which has risen to a 'must attend to', event by the citizens, businessmen, traders and entrepreneurs of the North comprises both local and international stalls holders, catering to a diverse variety of needs and services.

The Fair is being conducted partnered with the Ministry of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Yalpanam (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 for the past four years.

Director of Lanka Exhibition Services, the Presidential award winning event organizer, 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 first to Jaffna it was unknown territory and we were the first to enter and explore this region. But today everything is changing with the massive infrastructure and livelihood development in the area. There is a chance now 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 stated that the exhibition would provide an ideal opportunity for companies to meet their target consumer base.

K. Poornachandan, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Yalpanam said, the event is considered as the best gathering point for business leaders, consumers, industry holders and entrepreneurs and therefore this year's exhibition will draw in an unprecedented crowd. "It has really helped the SME sector to acquire new technology," he added.

He said that this in turn would help in value, for 'made in Jaffna products' and help gain foreign exchange. Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Douglas Devananda, Minister of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprises Development and Co-Chairman, District Coordinating Committee for Jaffna Electoral District, Harimawan Suyitno, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, Bruce Levy, High Commissioner of Canada in Sri Lanka also graced the occasion as special invitees.

The Gold Sponsor for the event is DIMO (Pvt) Ltd, while the Co-Sponsor is Elephant House. The Official Insurance Partner is Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, while for the first time Central Finance Co. came in as the Leasing Partner. Official Logistics Partner for the event once again is Dart Global Logistics

JIFT 2013 also comprised of an Education Pavilion with some of Colombo's and Jaffna's most sought after education service providers partnering the event.