Fresh initiative to diversify Sri Lankan exports in UAE
Daily FT: Consulate General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates supported the brand launch of ‘Naturalz’, a venture by NRS Group of Companies, held on 5 November, at the Pullman Hotel, Deira, Dubai.
Naturalz introduced a wide variety of high-quality Sri Lankan products, including fresh fruit pulps, spices, bottled fresh fruits, condiments, and a signature range of ice creams crafted from Sri Lankan fresh fruit pulp. The brand also facilitates the import of perishable items from Sri Lanka to the UAE, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and king coconut, as well as processed foods such as jackfruit.
The ice cream range is made exclusively with Sri Lankan fruit pulp, manufactured at a MENA region’s 100% solar powered facility in Sharjah. This unique production facility adheres to the highest standards of sustainability and ensures that all ice cream products are free from preservatives and additives.
Addressing the launch, Consul General Alexi Gunasekera emphasised the importance of diversifying Sri Lanka’s export offerings through value-added products rather than relying solely on traditional exports and raw materials.
He highlighted that initiatives like Naturalz align with inclusive development, supporting the value chain from farm to consumer. The Consul General also encouraged Sri Lankan professionals who are residing in the UAE to explore similar partnerships that foster mutual growth and strengthen economic ties between Sri Lanka and the UAE thus supporting the government’s economic development initiative.
Attendees of the launch event enjoyed the opportunity to taste authentic Sri Lankan flavours, including fresh king coconut and other fruit juices, desserts made up of Sri Lankan fruit pulps, and other delicacies such as cutlet, pizza, pastry made with processed jackfruit.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka is in the process of further expanding the country’s exports to overseas markets in-line with the steady growth being recorded by the local exports sector in the past few years. The exports sector recorded a growth even amidst challenging economic conditions faced by the country in the past few years. While Sri Lanka is in the process of further strengthening and expanding trade ties with many foreign countries, local export authorities are focused on promotional campaigns in overseas markets as well as encouraging local exporters to diversify and expand their export product portfolios to suit the expanding global market. The incentive schemes presented by the Sri Lankan government have also helped boost investments into the local exports sector. All these developments indicate the increasing business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s exports sector that could be exploited by foreign businesses/investors exploring lucrative opportunities in the Asian region. Foreign businesses could also collaborate with local businesses in the exports sector to explore avenues to further expand operations locally and internationally. Sri Lanka also presents the ideal destination for foreign businesses to set up bases to engage with other countries in the region using the preferential trade deals Sri Lanka enjoys with them.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20241022/Z_2 |