Sri Lanka Expo 2012 Trade Exhibition from 28-30 March
- Details
- Created on Wednesday, 21 March 2012 14:25
- Hits: 1465
President Mahinda Rajapaksa will declare openSri Lanka Expo 2012 - a show case for Sri Lankan products next week in Colombo. This three day even organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) will be held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo from 28 to 30 March.
Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen described the expo as a significant event that had drawn interest from all parts of the world.
Businessmen from several countries have expressed their keen interest to take part in this national event.
The Saudi businessmen have evinced immense interest in attending this upcoming Expo 2012 in Sri Lanka,Sri Lankan Embassy’s Commercial Counselor Anil Sirimanna said.
“Sri Lanka is a tiny country in the Indian ocean, which can offer the world a variety of its products which could find easy market in any part of the globe,” Minister Bathiudeen has told Arab News
He said the Expo would be a catalyst event to bring in international trading and investment partners to Sri Lanka.
“Saudi companies, who wish to engage a new or replenish existing ties with the Island’s commerce and economic agents are strongly encouraged to take this opportunity of visiting Sri Lanka during the mega trade and investment forum,” he said.
The commercial counselor added he was surprised at the ready response shown by the Saudi business community toward the show.
Those interested include entrepreneurs dealing in rubber products, spices, electronic goods, coconuts, cocoa and coconut products, garments, gem and jewelry and tea.
Businessmen in the Kingdom are given concessional air tickets to and from Colombo coupled with three nights free accommodation in a starred hotel in the city, the diplomat said, adding that arrangements have also been made at the airport to transport the incoming trade visitors to and from the hotel.
A good number of foreign journalists are also expected to cover this event, Sirimanna said.
“We want our businessmen in the Kingdom to visit our country and harness its trade potentials,” Sirimanna said. The show provides an ideal opportunity for Sri Lankan exporters to showcase their quality export products and services, both traditional and non-traditional, at a single platform with over 370 stalls to an international audience. Over 1,000 buyers from strategic markets are expected to attend the event,” he said.
Sirimanna said the exhibition would showcase the island’s export products and services. “It has attracted, trade and business associations, public and private sector representatives and other international buyers from all parts of the globe,” he added.
China’s 150 and India’s 120 businessmen will be among the largest delegations. Other foreign delegations include United States (35 members), the UAE (50), the UK (45), Belgium (25), Singapore (35), Thailand (40), Malaysia (40), Korea (30), Pakistan (20), France (10), Russia (10) and Germany (10).
Among the large buyers who have already confirmed their participation are Walmart Global Sourcing, ASDA, Arcadia, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Bhs, M&S, Calzedonia, Lulu and Carrefour.
Ministerial delegations from Bangladesh, China, India, Korea, Maldives, Pakistan and the UAE are also heading for the show.
A trade and investment symposium will be held with the participation of Jean-Marie Paugam, deputy executive director ITC, Geneva; Sandro Venonesi, chairman Calzedonia, Italy; Mark Harris, general manager London Stock Exchange group, etc.
The 10th meeting of the joint council of the US-Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) will be held on March 27 and the US embassy will also make a presentation on its GDP program and Food and Drug Administration.
