Jaffna exporters eye global markets
Dulshani GUNAWARDENA
A three-day familiarization program is being held in Colombo for 20
entrepreneurs from Jaffna. The event, aimed at promoting export-oriented
enterprises in the North, will end on Monday.
Speaking at the inauguration of this program yesterday, Export
Development and International Trade Minister Prof G. L. Peiris said the
Government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa was committed to raising the
living standards of the people of the North.
This can only be achieved through accelerated economic growth, he
said.
The Government's aim is to make the maximum use of the natural and
human resources available in abundance in the North and fully harness
their power to achieve sustainable economic growth. The Northern
Province possesses a varied product base- namely fisheries and marine
related products, palm and palm based products, agriculture and
agro-processing.
Prof Peiris emphasizing that economic separation was never the motive
of the
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Tuna fish project |
Minister
Prof. G.L. Peiris will implement a project to popularize the use
of the maruwal pannaya fishing line technology.
The project will be inaugurated in Kalmunnai today. A variety of
fishing equipment will also be distributed. It is aimed to
develop the quality of marine exports. Tuna is in abundance in
the Eastern and Northern seas.
It is in high demand in international markets, specially in
Japan. However these countries demand a high level of quality
and the use of massive nets substantially reduces the quality of
Tuna.
The project will encourage fishermen to use long fishing lines
or maruwal pannaya instead.
Boats equipped with radar machines to identify the location of
Tuna shovels is hoped to be introduced with the advancement of
this program. |
Government, said the delegation's visit was both a practical and
timely initiative to integrate the North with the rest of the country.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, K. Maheshwaran said the North
needed modern technologies. Though fruits and vegetables such as mangoes
and tomatoes are in abundance, a great number is destroyed due to
insufficient market opportunities.
Targeting international markets would be the ideal solution to this
issue, but the North lacks the necessary resources.
He said Rs. 200,000 financial aid from the Government to
entrepreneurs was not enough to achieve substantial development.
He called for more Government support and involvement in these
issues.
The event is being organized by the Export Development Board (EDB),
under the guidance of the Ministry of Export Development and
International Trade.
The extensive program includes seminars, workshops and field tours in
Colombo.
The delegation will be extensively briefed on export requirements,
operational aspects, quality requirements and quality assurance needed
to enter export markets.
They will also visit various vegetable, fruit and fish processing
plants.
The delegation comprises representatives of the trade/industry
associations covering a wide range of agricultural and marine
organizations, as well as Government officials. |
