The National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) will focus on regional level exporter education by conducting more educational programs through its affiliate, the National Institute of Exporters, NCE President Sarada de Silva told the media, outlining the Chamber’s plans for 2017, last week.
“The Chamber will tie up with regional Chambers to provide training and impart knowledge on procedures for documentation and other formalities in exports. Thereby, we hope to increase the number of exporters, making it a career among youth,” de Silva said.
He said the Chamber will work with the subject ministries to provide opportunities for member exporters to play an important role in policy formulation. “The primary duty of the Chamber is to play a complementary role to the Government and relevant State institutions, particularly the Export Development Board, to promote and develop exports to accelerate economic growth,” de Silva said.
The NCE will launch outreach programs covering the provincial chambers of commerce and industry to forge mutually beneficial working relationships with the respective Chambers by providing them specific export related services for business development and exports. NCE Secretary General / CEO Shiham Marikar said the objective of this effort is to facilitate joint representations to the Government on issues related to exports and economic development.
“There has to be a wider discussion involving all stake holders before entering into any trade agreement. With regard to the Economic and Technical Co-operation Agreement (ETCA) there has to be consensus and agreement among all stakeholders,” Marikar said.
NCE Senior Vice President Ramal Jayasinha said the Chamber has come a long way in facilitating exports. The future will be exciting with the corporate plan that will be launched next year.