JAFFNA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR 2013

JAFFNA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR 2013

The time for the re awakening of Northern trade

The Jaffna International Trade Fair (JIFT) is set to be held in the Northern capital of the country on the 18th, 19th and 20th of January 2013 for the fourth consecutive year. The event is widely considered the best mode of making inroads towards the vast untouched market and resources that is within the Northern tip of the country and has witnessed spectacular interest and keen participation from investors from all parts of the country and the globe together with the residents of the North alike.

The Jaffna International Trade Fair has throughout the years been considered the cynosure of trade activity within the region. It has evolved into being one of the most looked forward to event by commercial traders, inhabitants in the region, investors and all other stake holders alike.

The participation of India, a major stakeholder in the ongoing mega infrastructure development in the region has given the fair a major boost, drawing direct participation of the Indian state together with other business entities keen on being a part of the development of the region. The event which is considered a connecting bridge between the North and the rest of the world will feature India as JITF’s partner country. India, Sri Lanka’s friend and neighbour will have an Indian pavilion showcasing the best that India has to offer to the north.

The JITF caters to a wide audience which covers almost all facets that are a part and parcel of the Jaffna Lifestyle. The exhibition will showcase industries including and not confined to Construction, Agriculture, Food & beverage, Packaging, Information and Communication technology, Apparel Automobile, Hospitality, Travel and tourism, Financial Services and Consumer goods. All sub categories that fall within the above industries and many more will be on display providing the people of Jaffna a unique and unparalleled opportunity to participate and witness an event that is truly of an International standard.

The trade fair held last year was a tremendous success with over 60,000 visitors participating at the exhibition during the span of three day and is considered the best opportunity to witness the changing dimensions of industries, to create new contacts and find suppliers and customers to their evolving needs. Organizers of the event, presidential awarding winning Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services believe that this is the most potent opportunity for investors to meet budding new business and make an entry to the region.

“The North is now going through a rapid development phase, with livelihoods and enterprises transforming in a revolutionary manner. The JIFT is the best opportunity to build trade links between the other parts of the country, the rest of the world and the people of the region. It provides the most efficient and effective means of communicating and being a part of one of the most rich and diverse but untapped territories of our island nation” Imran Hassan Director LECS said.

Mr. K. Poornachandran the Chairman of the Yarlpanam Chamber of Industry and Commerce believes that JIFT would provide an ideal opportunity to develop small and medium scale businesses. “Many Macro entities have witnessed enormous results from the ongoing trade fair. They have infact consolidated themselves as of now and are currently looking to expand. this year fair will provide an amazing opportunity to be a part of the rapid development of small and medium scale businesses that the region is currently experiencing” he said.

The event is co-organized by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Sri Lanka (FCCISL) and in association with the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Yarlpanam (CCIY) together with Official Soft Drinks Provider Elephant House, Official Freight Forwarder Dart Global Logistics Pvt. Ltd. and Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, is set to embark on a mission that would bridge the trading gap between the countries north, east, south and west. Its mission to see Jaffna as a bustling trade hub is strengthened with LECS dedication to witness a Sri Lanka that is indeed the miracle of Asia.

Please find attached herewith few Photographs and Press Releases in Sinhala and Tamil.

Head Table (Seated from Left to Right)

• Mr. Vipula Wanigasekera, General Manager, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and Actg. Director General, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority

• Mr. Kosala Wickramanayake, Immediate Past President, Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry of Sri Lanka

• Mr. Kumar Mallimaratchi, President, Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry of Sri Lanka

• Mr. Arjun Dharmadasa, Managing Director, LECS

• Mrs. Y. Patgunarajah, Mayor, Jaffna Municipal Council

• Mr. V. Sivagnanasothy, Secretary, Ministry of Traditional Industries & Small Enterprise Development

• Mr. Imran Hassan, Director, LECS

• Mr. K. Pooranachandran, Chairman, Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Yarlpanam

• Mr. Manish,Commercial Councilor, High Commission of India

• Mr. Chandima Perera, Vice President – JKH, Head of Beverage, Ceylon Cold Stores PLC (Elephant House)

Please be good enough to publish the above Press Release in your newspaper and give us the fullest support to make this event a great success.