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The Indo-Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is being hotly debated currently due to the proposed CEPA agreement that is to be signed.
The Head of National Portfolio Development of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) said that almost 4,000 product lines that have concessions under the Indo-Lanka FTA are not being utilised by Sri Lankan exporters and this needs to be addressed by the business community and national export chambers.
He was addressing the Rotary Club of Colombo West luncheon meeting at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel.
Athukorala, being a former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board and serving many Government ministries currently, accepted that there were many non-trade barriers that needed to be addressed but also emphasised that Sri Lankan exporters must become very aggressive to compete in the Indian market as the market was essentially protection-oriented.
"Any country goes through this phase but it's only through dialogue with policymakers and being competitive that we can make exports to India reach one billion dollars.
This is possible given that we are poised to touch 500 million dollars of business once again with India this year."
Currently 10 products make up the basket of exports from Sri Lanka that account for 90 per cent of exports earnings from India and the strategic sectors of apparel and tea are negligible in nature. What's interesting is that the non FTA exports from Sri Lanka are at a low ebb of 50 million dollars, which is the same as in 2000, when the FTA with India came to force, whilst the non FTA products exports from India to Sri Lanka which was only 500 million dollars in 2000 is today a sizable two billion dollars.
"This would mean that without the FTA, Sri Lankan exports to India would have remained stagnant whilst Indian exports, which are largely on the non FTA route, would have grown four times from the 2000 level," he said.
Hence, in essence, 90% of the exports to India have taken place with the help of the FTA mechanism, whilst only 30% of the exports from India have come under the FTA. This explains the future potential the Sri Lankan exporters have in the Indian market if the other 4,000 product lines are pursued, said Athukorala, provided that we become aggressive and policymakers ensure that the non tariff barrier issues are addressed.
Currently there are 429 items in India's Negative List and 1,108 items in the Sri Lankan Negative List. But there is debate on the structure of the FTA that was apparently signed within a short time period, when India normally takes almost two years to sign a typical FTA with over 20 or more consultations.
It is being broadly mentioned that the CEPA agreement addresses this issue, but most Sri Lankan exporters have opined that the anomalies of the current agreement need to be addressed before a new one is signed, whilst many have voiced that the contents of the proposed CEPA agreement are not known.
The Rotary Club of Colombo West consists of top businessmen and is considered one of the most elite Rotary Clubs in Colombo.
Multivision Case:
On November 25, 2008, plaintiff closed its case leading in evidence the documents marked as P1 to P56. As no objection was raised at the closure of plaintiff's case, the said documents were treated as evidence for the all purposes of the case.
On that date the Counsel for the first defendant said that he had no instructions from his client. Though the date has been given to call the witnesses of the other defendants, they too defaulted in appearing and proceeding with the case. Therefore, the Court decided "to deliver judgment on the evidence already led before my predecessor" the judgment said.
The High Court Judge further held that "it is my considered view that the proposition made by the counsel for the plaintiff in his written submissions must be accepted. If I hold otherwise it will be an approval of fraud committed by 1st and 2nd defendants acting in concert against the plaintiff".
Romesh de Silva PC with Nihal Jayawardena, Uditha Egalahewa and Lasantha Hettiarachchi instructed by Mahinda Wickremeratne appeared for Osni Lanka.
Avindra Rodrigo and Manoj Bandara instructed by F.J. & G. de Saram appeared for Chalmway and Multivision. Buddhika Illangathilake instructed by B.W. Kularatne Associates appeared for Rystar.
Locally
"Computer equipment is the fastest growing electric load in the business world and the saving that Energy Star certified computers can make will have a tremendous impact on any company's bottom line".
Enumerating the advantages of Energy Star certified computers, Hamzadeen said they were quieter, emit fewer electro magnetic fields, increase file security and produce significantly less heat, whilst being a far less intrusive desk top item.
"We care about our customers, and in today's tough times the least we could do to help them would be to make available equipment that consumes less power when compared to that of a traditional computer"
EZY introduced themselves to the Sri Lankan market with the launch of the revolutionary slim in size, slim in price EZY Slimtop, which saved more than 60 percent of power consumed by an ordinary PC. EZY, who recently introduced the Intel dual core powered EZY Optimax will introduce a wider range of computers and laptops with the Energy Star certification by October this year. The Company's factory which is located in Ratmalana has an investment of over US $ 3 million, with over 100 staffers on the factory floor alone involved in pre engineering, manufacturing, quality testing and shipping. "We have an automated manufacturing line, continuous static discharge, burn testing, as well as performance testing" said Hamzadeen.
EZY's current manufacturing capacity stands at 210,000 computers per annum, running on 3 shifts a day. "We have plans to increase our production capacity to 400,000 within the next three years, not just for local consumption but export as well. We want to take the 'made in Sri Lanka' tag globally and the Energy Star qualification will definitely be an added advantage".
World-class
All products submitted are tested on a solely blind basis, without packing or identification. Various aspects including the aroma, texture, flavour, and appearance of the product are analysed and commended on by each judge. A sensory analysis graph is provided to the participant along with the results, with suggestions by the jury for further improvement of the product. Products having score more than 70% during the tasting are awarded with the Superior Taste Award
A total of 902 products submitted from 80 countries including from Australia, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain and the United Kingdom were tested for the awards this year. iTQi tasting procedures are monitored by the Belgium Ministry of Economic Affairs - Market Organisation.
Expressing his thoughts on the Superior Taste Award, Mr. A. G. R. Samaraweera, Chairman of Maliban noted that quality has always been at the forefront at Maliban since it was first opened over 60 years ago.
"Our founders had a simple, yet valuable message for us - 'treat quality and innovation as your religion' and looking back on our journey, I am proud to say that this is what has come to define us. This award demonstrates our firm commitment towards ensuring superior taste and quality. I thank you all for been a part of our victory," he stated.
Speaking on the significance of the award for the company, Mr. D. L. Weerasuriya, Chief Executive Officer of Maliban said, "While this rewards our teamwork, commitment and strength, it is also a recognition of the trust our consumers have placed on us, which we hope to further solidify in the years to come."
He went on to explain that this also provides an immense opportunity for the consumers, especially as it serves as an internationally recognised guide helping them choose the best food items.
Over six decades we have been using ingredients, raw material of the highest quality.
Commenting on the significance for the consumer, Mr. Ravi Jayawardena, CEO (Sales and Marketing) of Maliban said, "From the consumers' point of view, for any biscuit, quality and the taste are by far the two most important factors. In the eyes of consumer, quality of a product means that it has been made out of world class raw materials, has a good nutritional value and is made using state of art manufacturing processes backed by ethically driven operations."
"Though quality is important for any biscuit to be successful in the market, taste plays a very vital role. This means mouth-watering aroma, an excellent mouth-feel, soothing after taste, exceptional crispiness etc," he noted.
Mr. Jayawardena went on to state, "This world class quality and taste award from iTQi to Maliban cream cracker, Maliban Gold Marie and Maliban Chocolate cream confirmed all these parameters and now the Sri Lankan consumers have the opportunity to taste and enjoy these three world class products from Maliban Biscuit manufacturers."
Mrs. Warna Fernando, Assistant General Manger, Quality Assurance/Research & Development, who was also the initiator of the award, noted that Maliban consistently adopts measures to ensure that the superior quality and taste of its products are maintained throughout.
In fact, this was one such method, she said, adding, "When I initiated this move, our main objective was to evaluate our product and receive feedback from a world-recognised body. For this evaluation we decided to submit only three products, which were randomly selected from our product range. We are very proud to hear that all our three submissions were awarded. We have taken so much effort to maintain superior quality and taste through our product range. Tests are conducted on a regular basis and we take great care every step of the way - from choosing our raw material to production and packaging - to maintain our quality standards."
What began as a humble teashop in Maliban Street over 60 years ago, is today a leading biscuit manufacturer, recognised both locally and internationally for its high quality range of products. A company with a rich history and a solid foundation, Maliban continues to lay emphasis on value, quality, safety and taste, as it continues its triumphant journey into the future.
Source : dailymirror.lk
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