The South Asia Trade Fair 2024, organised by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka and the SAARC Chamber of Commerce began at the Excel World Colombo Convention Centre on Friday and concludes today, Sunday.
The event is being held to promote Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) In South Asia which play a crucial role in economic development, constituting over 80% of enterprises and contributing significantly to poverty alleviation. In Sri Lanka, SMEs and Micro-sized enterprises account for over 95% of businesses, generating around 50% of the GDP and employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women. Despite their importance, SMEs face challenges, especially in international trade.
To address this, FCCISL in collaboration with SCCI organised the “SAARC trade fair”, a trade exhibition aimed at promoting socio economic cooperation among South Asian countries and enhancing trade within the region and beyond. This platform will facilitate exports and imports among SAARC member states, promoting cross-border trade and providing opportunities for businesses to showcase products, explore new markets, and engage in discussions for mutual growth.
Participants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are participating in the SAARC trade fair. The products and services include tea and related products, textile and apparel, spices and related products, vegetables, fruits and food handicraft products, herbal products, cosmetics, dairy products, and beverages leather products, gem, precious stones and jewelry eco-friendly products, rubber and related products dry fruits an products tourism and hospitality areas.
