The National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) is organising a special event from February 17-20 at the Dubai Expo 2020. The standalone trade exhibition named ‘Sri Lanka Export Brands’ will be housed in a separate exhibition Hall B1 North Expo 2020 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC).
The DEC is designated for special events only and away from country pavilions. It is estimated that approximately 78 booths will be available for Sri Lankan exporters to display their products and services to the Middle Eastern and African markets.
The NCE has launched a comprehensive marketing campaign in these regions with the support of Sri Lankan Embassies, Trade Chambers, Business Councils and also contacting leading business houses. As the event is coinciding with the Gulf Food Exhibition, it is envisaged that many potential customers from the rest of the world too will patronise the Sri Lankan pavilion. To facilitate the exhibitors, NCE has partnered with a leading Sri Lankan commercial bank, airline and a hotel to provide financial assistance, discounted airfares and hotel accommodation. This will be an all-inclusive opportunity for exporters who are looking to expand their markets.
As value added services to benefit the exhibitors the NCE has coordinated the following –
Corporate credit card to cover the expenses (Up to Rs.1 million) to be paid on zero percent on 12 months’ instalments – offered by HNB.
Special discounted rates for hotel and airfare by SriLankan Airlines
Excess luggage allowance up to 40 kg by SriLankan Airlines.
The event is organised by the NCE to showcase export products and services. The event will be an ideal platform for Sri Lanka to create awareness among prospective buyers, and consumers, regarding the range of product and service offerings of the country.
During the past one-and-a-half-years, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, exporters were faced with many hurdles in reaching their markets and especially finding new buyers as overseas travels were restricted. The Dubai Expo and the Sri Lankan Export Brand Exhibition would be the ideal opportunity for them to reach potential international buyers.
The NCE has already commenced an aggressive marketing campaign where the Chamber has coordinated with the Sri Lankan Missions in the Gulf Region. The Sri Lankan Missions will create awareness of the event and invite potential buyers to visit the ‘Sri Lanka Export Brands’ exhibition. The NCE is coordinating with Trade Chambers and Associations in the Gulf Region, where they have invited their members to visit the event.
“As per the live event dates, a Thursday and a Friday is also included where we expect regional visitors and also many UAE nationals to visit the event. We will be inviting Sri Lankan professionals in the UAE to visit the exhibition. We are also coordinating with the Sri Lanka-Dubai Business Council and they too will create awareness of the event among their business contacts, the NCE stated. The NCE will also create a digital catalogue highlighting all exhibitors and will be shared with all stakeholders.