The biggest ever Public Private Partnership (PPP) effort in recent history enlisting Sri Lankan exports and its private sector surfaced yesterday in Colombo and called for the highest political will to move forward. Crucially, a massive international support wave too has been hinted for Sri Lanka’s TFA implementation via global agencies, including the World Bank.
“The highest Sri Lankan political will should be there to succeed in this. We are talking win-win here since both the government and the business sector are talking about the same goal,” voiced Vice President Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation Donia Hammami on 26 April in Colombo. GATF Vice President Hammami was addressing the launch of Sri Lanka’s first ever country session for its exporters and businesses on the historic WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) jointly steered by GATF and International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka. Vice President Hammami leads ICC policy work in Customs and Trade Facilitation at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the world’s largest business organization with a network of over 6 million members in more than 100 countries. Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen with Chairman of International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka Keerthi Gunawardane leading the Sri Lankan side at this event.
Vice President Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF) Donia Hammami elaborated on Public Private Partnership for trade led growth. “As for this TFA, we are talking of a common sense package that will reduce trade costs for WTO members by as much as 14.5%, boost exports up to $730 billion, 20 million new jobs across the world, and greater impact on global GDP. As for Sri Lanka, TFA does not focus on quotas and tariff but simplifying procedures and removing inefficiencies.”
Calling for the Lankan private sector enlistment in the venture, she said: “The Lankan business community has a key role since they know Sri Lankan situation best. As the private sector, you must make sure your voice is heard in this TFA efforts. This agenda is worth your time and effort. It’s a one time in life opportunity. The Sri Lankan TFA Secretariat will do the groundwork. Sri Lanka has notified Category A Commitments, but it needs to work on Category B & C Commitments. These categories needs to be focused on. We await Sri Lanka’s confirmation in this.”
Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen addressing the event thanked WTO for its ongoing support to Sri Lanka.
“I am happy to mention that under the leadership of my Ministry, the Department of Commerce, as the focal point made the necessary arrangements for Sri Lanka to ratify the TFA Agreement and establish the National Trade Facilitation Committee as early as in March 2016” said Minister Bathiudeen .
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