Ayurveda exports to reach US$ 107 mn by 2017

Sara Pathirana

"The global herbal supplements market would reach US$107 by 2017 and where Sri Lanka's market stands, needs to be analysed," Ayurvedic Consultant, Dr. Danister L. Perera, stated on Monday, during a presentation at the official launch of the "Ayurvedic Expo 2013" in Colombo 02.

"The Ayurveda 2013" Indigenous Healthcare Exhibition, would be held from July 12 to 14 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) is organizing the exhibition in collaboration with the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine and other government organizations.

The first exhibition was initiated in 2007 while the expo was held every two years since its inception. "2011's Expo helped the Ayurvedic market to acquire a global presence and the year was a turning point in tourism for Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka acquires an abundance of resources, strengths and opportunities. Through these entities, we could promote medical tourism. Our resources need to be applied to its full potential. Sri Lanka's indigenous medicine could be disseminated all over the world. Sri Lanka is a hot spot of biodiversity and traditional knowledge," Perera added.

The exhibition presents opportunities for local manufacturers and SMEs. This year's expo is anticipated to be even more productive. "India is on top of the list where ayurvedic and herbal medicines are concerned, but our country too acquires even more herbal related resources and we could penetrate the global market if we persevere and were aware about standards such as SLS and ISO and work towards meeting the required guidelines successfully." Salinda Dissanayake, Minister of Indigenous Medicine stated at the launch.

Ayurveda 2013 would exhibit Sri Lanka's capabilities in treating various illnesses, both communicable and non-communicable through indigenous medicine, expertise availability, research findings in the sector, Sri Lankan manufactured indigenous medical products, educational facilities and showcasing Sri Lanka's potential as an indigenous healthcare tourist destination.

The exhibition will also be an ideal platform for local and international organizations engaged in indigenous related goods and services, education, export, import and joint ventures to interact on one platform, to hold discussions with regard to potential business and investment opportunities in the sector. The ministry and the institutes falling under the Ministry would demonstrate activities carried out by the provincial healthcare ministries and agencies to promote the sector in the country.

Corresponding to the event, a public awareness seminar about the sector's proficiency would also be held where the public would get the opportunities to raise their health related issues and matters related to the sector's development, at the seminar.

Organizations involved in Ayurvedic medicine, wellness, lifestyle, health food, acupuncture, yoga, homeopathy and beauty care products are anticipated to participate at the exhibition.

Minister of Indigenous Medicine, Salinda Dissanayake was the Chief Guest at the launch, who also launched the official "Ayurveda Expo 2013" website.