The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka president Sarath Kahapalarachchi recently said that Sri Lanka is keen to explore business ties with Kerala with regard to food and other industries. The tie-up would give global exposure as well as plethora of business opportunities to Kerala-based Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Speaking at the Kerala Business-to-Business Meet – 2016 held at CIAL Trade Fair and Exhibition Centre at Nedumbassery, Kochi, Kahapalarachchi underlined that Kerala-based SMEs have immense potential. “The B2B meet has provided an excellent platform to connect with sellers from various parts of Kerala and know different products. We are keen to take up the business collaboration with Kerala to the next level. The thrust will be on high value-added products,” he said.
He pointed out the need for easing business transactions between the two countries. “India is the third-largest export destination for Sri Lanka. Around 80 per cent of Indian exports pass through the Colombo port. The food industry in Sri Lanka has to take advantage of this opportunity to expand their business,” Kahapalarachchi added.
A 32-member delegation from Sri Lanka participated in the discussion with the members of the business community in Kerala. The meet was organised by Kerala Bureau of Industrial Promotion (K-BIP) in association with the Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles, Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Kinfra) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
Meanwhile P H Kurian, principal secretary, industries & IT, Government of Kerala, urged entrepreneurs from both the countries to open new business avenues in Ayurvedic tourism and food sector. The Kerala government is also planning to create a free economic zone for foreign players, especially from Sri Lanka. Rubber wood industry, food industry, marine products, spices, coconut products, light engineering and electronics are the sectors where the government is seeking investment from foreign countries.
7,200 business meetings
The meet provided a platform for 7,200 business meetings worth Rs 300 crore. According to officials, 469 buyers including 77 delegates from 28 countries attended the meet.
Around 200 SMEs across Kerala participated in the selling category. Some of the SMEs which caught the attention of buyers through innovative products have received invitation to start business units abroad apart from orders. While a number of SMEs have received invitation to the tax-free zones, especially in Sri Lanka.
