The trade potential between Sri Lanka and New Zealand is still underutilised and this should be exploited, said New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, David Pine on the sidelines of the opening the Wickramarachchi Opticians latest showroom at Battaramulla.
He said that the trade statistics from New Zealand are dominated by dairy exports but there is high potential that should be tapped from other areas as well.
“Sri Lanka has FTA’s in place for India and Pakistan which are huge markets. Hence the New Zealand Manufacturing segment could be made in Sri Lanka and re-export to these markets. There are also opportunities in the meat processing market, apparels and IT segment as well,” he said.
New Zealand exported $223.86 million to Sri Lanka, while Sri Lanka exported $26.56 million to New Zealand. New Zealand’s main exports to Sri Lanka are concentrated milk, cheese, and semi chemical wood pulp. Sri Lanka’s main exports to New Zealand are tea, rubber tires, and knit gloves.
He said that there many New Zealand investors are looking to branch out and invest and this segment should be tapped. To reap benefits in these segments and woo Kiwi investors to Sri Lanka a focused awareness programs are needed. The Chambers too could play a lead role towards this.
He said that a quick revenue generator would be tourism and for this firstly a mega awareness initiative should be done. “Sports specially cricket, is a good bridge for this.”
Many of the KIVI tourists that come to Sri Lanka now travel through Australia and this may be a drawback to promote tourism.
