He stated this at the 23rd Annual Export Awards ceremony of National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE)last Friday in Colombo.

Mr.Daly said that the EU would consider the Sri Lanka’s request seriously , as there was a huge evaluation process to take the final decision to grant both GSP plus and remove the fish export ban to the EU.

The GSP Plus facility was withdrawn by the EU in August 2010 alleging Sri Lanka was failed to follow the eligibility criteria that include the implementation of international human rights conventions.

Having the good governance, rule of law and also the human rights will be the main factors to tap the EU market, as it is a very advantageous market to Sri Lanka to double the exports,Daly said.

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva said Sri Lanka does not have a future without increasing exports and therefore he wants to promote economic diplomacy based on trade investment, growth and development and business.

And further as there is not a sufficient representation in the international market from Sri Lankan business people, a special office will be opened to facilitate business in foreign missions to oversee businesses in Sri Lanka,  Dr.Harsha de Silva added.