Sri Lanka fish exports to the European Union have grown tremendously, said Deputy Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs Dr. Harsha de Silva. He said that this is due to the regaining of GSP Plus and lifting of the EU fish ban.
He said that the fish exports have grown by 160% in the last few months. “In the Apparel sector too books of exporters are getting filled up and they are expecting bigger assignments next year.”
Apparel exports to EU increased by only 2% from January to September 2016 in comparison to 2015. After receiving EU GSP Plus, apparel exports to EU from January to September this year compared the same period last year at US $ 1.5 billion, has increased by a huge 11.3% to US $ 1.67 billion.
Speaking on the ‘Celebrating Partnerships’ showcasing the European Union’s support to district development in Sri Lanka he said that these programs have helped the rural communities to gain additional means of income.
Ambassador of the delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Tung-Lai Margue, said that over the past five years, the European Union Support to the District Development Programme (EU-SDDP) has contributed significantly to building infrastructure and capacities, to generating growth and creating jobs for people most in need.
“The exhibition which was also arranged captured the work carried out in seven districts to build partnerships and networks of collaboration with individuals and organisations to improve the quality of life for the people in these areas”.
He said the programmes were mainly conducted in North East, Puttalam and Anuradhapura areas and over Euro 60 million was invested for the projects. (SS)
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