Exporters support budget 2016, call it export friendly

Nov 24, 2015 (LBO) – The Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka pledges its unstinted support and co-operation to the budget 2016 saying it is an exporter friendly budget. The full statement by the Exporters Association reproduced below :- The Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka which functions under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce acknowledges with gratitude, the attention and encouragement accorded to Exports as reflected in the 2016 Budget presented by Hon Ravi Karunanayake on Friday the 20th.   Its Chairman Fazal Mushin,   thanked the Hon Minister for the Exporter friendly budget. The EASL is pleased to observe that several of the matters proposed by the association which were submitted on the invitation of the Finance Ministry, has been addressed. The EASL is truly pleased to learn that the Export Development Council of Ministers will be restored to ensure successful implementation and effective monitoring of the Country’s Export strategy, it observes that the decision to restructure the BOI and the SLEDB in order to improve operational efficiency is most welcome.  whilst the proposed formulation of an “SME Policy” and giving  specific  recognition  to  small and medium  non-traditional export sectors  such as Fruits & Vegetables, Spices and Allied Products, Ornamental Fish etc will encourage entrepreneurs  to  engage  with the relevant  Government agencies, towards sustained  growth and development. The EASL appreciates that ‘Rome was not built in a day’, and likewise, the implementation of all the elements proposed in the Budget will need determined, result oriented people to develop them.  It is also confident that the ambitious targets and time frames are achievable with the concerted efforts of both public and private sector Organizations.  Towards this effort the Exporters Association of Sri Lanka pledges its unstinted support and co-operation.