Editorial

Security

Politics

World

Letters

Sports

Obituaries

Archives

by L. S. A. Wedaarachchi

A special scheme to assist small and medium scale entrepreneurs to explore the possibility of exporting and promoting their non-traditional products and services abroad has been launched by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB). Under this scheme, Sri Lankan small and medium scale entrepreneurs who launch marketing and promotional programs to export their non-traditional products and services are eligible to obtain SLEDB assistance.

A spokesman for the SLEDB said that all exports excluding the bulk exports of tea, natural rubber and coconut are considered non-traditional exports. He said that there was an encouraging trend in the past few year to improve non-traditional exports namely gem and jewellery, leather items, educational aids, coir products, ceramic items and ornamental fish.

Under this scheme small and medium exporters whose fixed assets excluding land and buildings and the investment which is not more than Rs. 35 million and their annual export sales turnover which is not more than Rs. 60 million are eligible to apply for SLEDB assistance. The local ownership should also be 75 per cent or more for them to be eligible.

Expenses incurred on foreign market surveys and research, improving products for the export market and manufacturing samples for the foreign market attending foreign exhibitions and fairs inviting foreign business delegates to Sri Lanka, Preparation of web pages for export promotions, and publicity will be reimbursed under this scheme.

A leading local coir industrialist commended the SLEDB export assistance scheme. He said earlier local industrialists like him who were keen to export coir products in the last few years could not do so. He stressed the need for monetary assistance as well as other means such as export market information, opportunities to meet foreign buyers in Sri Lanka from public sector organisations such as SLEDB, Sri Lankan embassies abroad, and the Department of Commerce.

This is indeed a step in the right direction which would be welcomed by those who wish to give an impetus to our economy, he said.

www.ceylincoproperties.com

| News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security |
| Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries | Junior Observer |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager