Northern entrepreneurs are confident that the economy would move ahead, Jaffna International Trade Fair (JITF) Co-Founder Chairman and Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Yarlpanam (CCIY) Past President K. Pooranachandran said.
He told the opening ceremony of the 10th edition of the JITF at the Jaffna Municipal ground yesterday that political stability has returned and investor confidence is picking up again.
“We see positive changes now,” he said. The Jaffna International Trade Fair hosts close to 350 stalls on a wide range of products and services.
Pooranachandran said that Kankesanthurai Port is being developed with Indian Government assistance and when completed, the North and the East would receive a major boost.
He, however, said that he was disappointed with the progress of the special Atchuveli economic zone.
“Things are not moving, and the government, especially, the Board of Investment should pay attention to promoting it, especially, among the Tamil diaspora. He said the JITF is the best venue for businesses to expand to the North and the North Eastern region.
Jaffna District Secretary N. Vethanayahan called on entrepreneurs to look at the tremendous investment opportunities in the agro and fisheries sectors in the region. He appealed to them to pay attention to the Northern youth who are looking for knowledge based employment opportunities.
The Northern peninsula has sandy beaches, picturesque lagoons, historical religious places and natural attractions which make the area attractive for tourism.
The expo is organised and managed annually in January by Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd (LECS) in association with the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Yarlpanam (CCIY) with the support of the Jaffna Municipal Council, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and International Business Council. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the National Chamber of Exporters are endorsing this event.
LECS CEO Aasim Mukthar said traders had witnessed first hand the business opportunities the North had to offer.