Local exporters should be encouraged to export value-added products, and it is high time they followed suit, Investment Promotion State Minister Dilum Amunugama stated. He made these observations addressing officials of the Export Development Board (EDB) on Tuesday (27).
“Value-added products will earn much needed competitive advantage for our brands. Hence, local exporters should be provided with pertinent expertise and innovation to expand production and come up with value-added products for catering to global export markets,” Amunugama noted.
“At present, the country cannot afford to increase its exports owing to the prevailing economic conditions. Therefore, promoting value-added products for the export market will definitely keep the country afloat in the global competitive environment. Besides, it is also imperative to embrace products that provide high value by deviating from conventional export products,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, the State Minister urged the importance of establishing ‘Export Houses’ which sets the tone for connecting suppliers and the exporters at the regional level, which would create the platform for young entrepreneurs to enter the export market. EDB Chairman Suresh de Mel, Additional Secretary to the State Ministry of Investment Promotion U.K Bandara and BOI Director General Renuka M Weerakone were present.
