National Export Strategy to be implemented with budget 2018: Advisor

July 13, 2017 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s proposed National Export Strategy will be implemented with the budget of 2018, a senior official at the International Trade Center said. The International Trade Ministry and Export Development Board, together with the help of the International Trade Center, is currently conducting the second round of consultations to chart a national export strategy for Sri Lanka. Trade Strategy and Competitiveness Advisor of the International Trade Center Charles Roberge told reporters in Colombo that their objective is to come up with a prioritized action plan. “We are following the guidance of EDB, Ministry as well as the private sector to finalize this document by December,” Roberge said. “We will also ensure that it is ready to be implemented with the new budget for 2018.” The 5-year strategy implementation period lays emphasis on diversification of exports through strengthening of emerging sectors. Their focus sectors are ICT, wellness tourism, spice concentrates, boat building, processed food & beverages and electronic & electrical machinery. In addition, the strategy will ensure that all export sectors including mature sectors will benefit from the strengthening of trade support functions. National quality infrastructure, innovation, R&D and logistics were shortlisted to achieve the National Export Strategy vision and strategic objectives. More than 300 public and private sector representatives are expected to attend this month’s consultations in order to chart the next export growth cycle of the country.