Sri Lanka and the Netherlands explore partnerships in horticulture sector
Dutch Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Tanja Gonggrijp says that following a visit by Sri Lankan horticulturalists to the Netherlands, there were plans to create more formal linkages between the two nations in the horticulture sector.
Gonggrrijp has made this observation at the 38th Annual General Meeting of the Lanka Fruit and Vegetable Producers, Processors, and Exporters Association under the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
The Ambassador has said, “The Netherlands has been involved in several projects in the horticultural sector in Sri Lanka. As we speak a delegation of Sri Lankan horticultural businesses and representatives of the agricultural sector modernization project from the Ministry of Primary Industries is in the Netherlands for training.”
“We hope this will strengthen the connections. We hope to build on this for the creation of Dutch partners for Horticulture.”
“We want to create this group of Dutch companies that are willing to make commitments for involvement in the Sri Lankan horticulture sector. We hope to create long term business connections.”
Gonggrrijp has said, “The history of trade between our nations; this export and import of different varieties of crops which our countries have left marks on our shared experiences. Even our languages have been influenced by this. Look at our similar words for Pineapple; annāsi and ananas. This precludes to a long history of fruit and vegetable exchange between The Netherlands and Sri Lanka.”
The envoy has further said, “Trade has not stopped between our nations. The raw vegetable and fruit export from Sri Lanka to the Netherlands has a value of about US$ 7 million. This is mostly tropical fruit. The trade from the Netherlands to Sri Lanka is small at US$ 2 million. This is mostly aardappelen (potatoes).”
“Both Sri Lanka and the Netherlands are prominent in agriculture. The Netherlands is the second-largest agricultural exporter in the world. Sri Lanka is a country with a quarter of the working population is in agriculture.” The Dutch envoy has added.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s exports sector is on a continuous growth path with focus on value addition and diversification. The move by Sri Lanka and The Netherlands to form ties to promote horticulture indicates a new business opportunity for both Sri Lankan and Dutch businesses. Given Sri Lanka’s strong trade ties with foreign countries, Dutch businesses could explore business opportunities in Sri Lanka’s horticultural industry targeting the export market.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/04122019/Z_4 |