Export Development Board nurtures Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Mannar entrepreneurs
The seventh seminar for the Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Mannar District entrepreneurs on the national programme of developing 2000 new exporters was held on March 1, 2019, at the Vavuniya District Secretariat.
The Export Development Board (EDB) is implementing a national programme to nurture 2000 new entrepreneurs to become exporters during the period 2017-2022, at regional level. The main objective of this programme is to encourage domestic enterprises to invest in export industries to achieve the overall export target of US $ 28 billion in 2022.
The programme includes an awareness programme for entrepreneurs, a technological display of technology used in the export industry for the benefit of entrepreneurs and the school students to educate about the export sector, a discussion with top business leaders to attract them to the export sector.
The mini exhibition on technology was held with the participation of stakeholder organisations relevant for the export sector, representing the Industrial Development Board, Industrial Technology Institute, Sri Lanka Standards Institution, National Engineering Research and Development Centre, Postharvest Technology Institute, Export Agriculture Department, Coconut Development Authority, Sri Lanka Institutes of Nanotechnology, Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd and Tulip Technologies (Pvt.) Ltd.
The seminar focused on introducing export business opportunities for development of products suitable for the province, including spice products, ornamental articles, processed foods, Ayurvedic products, coir products and ornamental fish and wellness tourism with a view to increase export supplies from the province of those potential products and services.
Northern Province Governor Dr. Suren Raghavan, Development Strategies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrema, Industry and Commerce, Resettlement of Protracted Displaced Persons and Co-operative Development Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, Development Strategies and International Trade Deputy Minister Nalin Bandara Jayamaha, Development Strategies and International Trade Ministry Secretary S.T. Kodikara, Vavuniya District Secretary I.M. Haniffa, Mullaitivu District Secretary R. Ketheeswaran, Mannar District Secretary C.A. Mohanras, EDB Chairperson and Chief Executive Indira Malwatte and government and private sectors officials graced this occasion.