Sri Lankan companies participate in largest trade show in South Africa
Daily FT: Two major Sri Lankan export companies participated in the South African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) 2023, an annual multi-sector trade-show, held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa from 18 to 20 June 2023.
This year, more than 120 exhibitors from 37 countries participated at SAITX attended by more than 3500 attendees representing importers, wholesalers, retailers, product manufacturers, distributors, agents, Government bodies, and entrepreneurs.
The leading Sri Lankan food products Company, Ceylon Biscuits Ltd. (CBL) and Atlas Axillia Co. (Atlas Sri Lanka), a leading stationery manufacturer and supplier participated in this year’s SAITEX.
CBL promoted a wide range of confectioneries including biscuits and crackers, chocolates, nutria-foods and cereals. They introduced a new cereal product called “NatuNu” which is designed especially for the African region. CBL currently exports Milk Short Cake products to South Africa and exports their products to 60 countries including Ghana in West Africa. CBL is now exploring expanding to South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique in East Africa. Sri Lanka is represented in these countries by the Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa.
Atlas Sri Lanka promoted their stationary products including books, other school products like pens and pencils, bottles and boxes, educational toys, and office stationery products. Atlas has been a leading stationery manufacturer in Sri Lanka for over 60 years and also has successfully entered international markets, especially India and UK. They are now exploring opportunities in African countries.
During a reception hosted by the High Commissioner Prof. Gamini Gunawardane both companies stated that the trade exhibition was successful. CBL stated that they received many trade inquiries and offers from several South African and other African country companies this year compared to the previous year and stated there would be a potential increase in their current export volume to the African region. The High Commissioner appreciated the effort taken by the companies to expand exports and earn much needed foreign exchange for Sri Lanka.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s exports sector is engaged in promotions overseas with the aim of further expanding the country’s market space while also diversifying the country’s product portfolio. Sri Lanka’s Exports Development Board while encouraging and supporting local businesses in the export industry, is also introducing incentives to businesses engaged in the exports sector. Also, the many trade agreements as well as trade concessions enjoyed by the country have helped boost Sri Lanka’s exports sector. The sector has shown a growth momentum even amidst challenging economic conditions and businesses have also recorded profits. Foreign businesses/investors could look at entering Sri Lanka’s export sector and use the incentives offered and the trade benefits enjoyed by the country. They could also look at forming partnerships or joint ventures with local businesses engaged in the exports sector with the aim of further expansion.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20230710/Z_4 |