Italy’s Noberasco signs MOU with Lanka Fruit and Vegetable Producers, Processors and Exporters Association
Noberasco of Italy has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Sri Lanka’s Fruit and Vegetable Producers, Processors and Exporters Association (LFVPPEA) in a bid to boost the export of local fruits and vegetables.
The signing of the MOU has reportedly taken place following three years of engagement and visits between Italy and Sri Lanka, through a project funded by the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and LFVPPEA. STDF is a global partnership that helps developing countries to better implement international sanitary and phytosanitary standards to improve their health status and ability to access markets.
“Noberasco is proud of this collaboration with the producers of tropical fruits of Sri Lanka,” President Gabriele Noberasco, has told the media on behalf of the Noberasco family. “By looking beyond one’s own borders, one can learn and grow. The main objective of this agreement is to develop new opportunities for Sri Lankan farmers, supported by Noberasco’s firm intention to invest in training and resources to obtain products processed in Sri Lanka with rigorous quality control to guarantee customer satisfaction.”
LFVPPEA President Zuraish Hashim has been quoted as saying, “Our vision is to have Sri Lankan fruit companies become the preferred supplier in the global market, and we as members need to take actions to make it happen. We call on exporters, producers, government bodies and development partners to address challenges and tap the full potential of the partnership with Noberasco for the benefit of all, from farmers to consumers.”
Ludovica Ghizzoni, ITC adviser on export quality management has said, “We have seen the fruit and vegetable sector growing under the leadership of LFVPPEA since 2013. The cooperation with Noberasco is the start of a journey to Europe not only for commercial opportunities but for sustainable and inclusive value chains where skills, knowledge, technology, health and people are at the heart of the partnership.”
OSL take:
The MOU signed between Italy’s Noberasco and Sri Lanka’s LFVPPEA would give a further boost to the country’s growing export market. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has already recorded an increase in the country’s total exports in 2018 and agreements such as the one with Noberasco would help the further growth of the sector. Given the growth in Sri Lanka’s exports industry, foreign businesses/investors could explore opportunities in the sector.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/15032019/Z_4 |