Sunday, February 28, 2010

Present status of E.M.S. facility offered at the 'N.G.J.A.'

Subject: Present status of E.M.S. facility offered at the ‘N.G.J.A.’

Date : 23.02.2010

Dear All,



1). In accordance with our request made on 11.12.2009 a meeting was convened by the Post Master General on 16.02.2010. This meeting was Chaired by him and the participants included Chairman E.D.B., Actg. D.D.G.– N.G.J.A., D.G.M.(S.L.I.C.), Secretary & Executive committee members of ‘S.L.G.J.A.’ among others.

2). Following decisions were taken at the meeting.



(a) Instead by ‘E.M.S.’, Gem & Jewellery parcels have to be sent under insured

letter category in the future. This category of parcels are also transported in the same flight along with E.M.S. category mail. Therefore there will not be any undue delays, and the parcels will be acknowledged on delivery and the exporters will have to incur a lesser cost.



(b) Insurance cover for the parcel has to be obtained by the exporter from SLIC

Ltd or any authorized Insurer. It is not necessary to obtain additional

insurance cover from Postal Department. It will be compulsory to affix a

sticker indicating insurance cover and a bar Code label on the parcel.



(c) Postal Department will develop a special page on their website for gem

and jewellery exporters to enable them to track the movements of their

export parcels.



Submitted for your kind information.



Ajith Perera

Actg. Deputy Director General

National Gem & Jewellery Authority

BUSINESS PROMOTION MISSION TO INDIA – COCHIN, COIMBATORE & CHENNAI

BUSINESS PROMOTION MISSION TO INDIA – COCHIN, COIMBATORE & CHENNAI – APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2010

Introduction

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) will organise a Business Promotion Mission to Cochin, Coimbatore & Chennai, India from April 25 – May 1, 2010.

Objectives

The objectives of this mission are to strengthen trade ties, establish business links, source suitable business partners in the areas of Trade, Investment, Joint Ventures, technology transfer and services.

Focus of the Mission

Meetings with the business communities and officials & members of Kerala Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry in cochin, The Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Coimbatore, Andhra Chamber of Commerce and India – ASEAN-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Chennai,

Total Cost
Rs.191,956/48 (for 7 days) per person with five star accommodation (visa fee not included)

The total cost to be borne by the participant would comprise the Administrative fee of Rs. 69,276/48 (Rs.60,000/- + NBT + 12%VAT) cost of airfare Rs.29,300/- (economy class) & hotel accommodation for seven nights(approximately US$ 115 x Rs.116 x 7 = Rs.93,380/- five star hotel). The total cost inclusive of the VAT component is Rs.191,956/48. If all delegates are agreeable, we could identify a three star hotel which would cost about US$ 65 in Cochin & Coimbatore. Chennai will be higher. We shall try to negotiate either a five or three star hotel according to the majority preference of the delegates.

We are targeting at a 6 - 8 member delegation and registration will be on first come-first served basis

FOR COMPLETE DETAILS PLEASE REFER ATTACHED CIRCULAR

Puvi Domingopillai
Consultant
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
No. 50, Navam Mawatha
Colombo 2
Sri Lanka.
Tel. 009411 2-326096-5-588802,009411-2-421745-6
Fax. 009411-2-437477, 009411-2-449352
E-mail - puvi@chamber.lk
Web - www.chamber.lk and www.bip.lk for your information needs

--------------------- Attachment ---------------------------

THE TENTATIVE PROGRAMME WILL BE AS FOLLOWS. THE DETAILED PROGRAMME WILL BE FORWARDED TO REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS ONCE IT IS FINALISED

April 25, 2010 - Departure Colombo/Cochin via Chennai by IT 062 at 1505

          (Colombo/Chennai) Arrival in Chennai 1620

- Departure Chennai/Cochin by IT2485 at 1835

          Arrival in Cochin 2010




April 26, 2010

1000 - 1230 - Meeting with the Business Community, Officials & Members of the Kerala

          Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI),

          – Dress Code Lounge (gents) Business Suit/Saree (ladies)

1430 – 1630 - Meeting with the Business Community, Officials & Members of the Cochin

          Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI),

          – Dress Code Lounge (gents) Business Suit/Saree (ladies)

1800 - 1930 Meeting with the Business Community, Officials & Members of the Indian

          Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI),

          – Dress Code Lounge (gents) Business Suit/Saree (ladies)

April 27, 2010

- Follow-up meetings on your own

April 28, 2010

08.30 - Departure to Coimbatore by road after breakfast

1500 – 1700 - Meeting with the Business Community, officials & members of Indian

          Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI), Coimbatore

– Dress Code Lounge (gents) Business Suit/Saree (ladies)

April 29, 2010 - Follow – up meetings on your own

April 29, 2010 - Departure Coimbatore/Chennai by IT 2906 at 1950

Arrival in Chennai 2105

April 30, 2010

1000 – 1230 - Meeting with the Business Community, officials & members of Andhra

          Chamber of Commerce (ACC),

            • Dress Code Lounge (gents) Business Suit/Saree (ladies)

1500 – 1700 - Meeting with the Business Community, officials & members of India –

          ASEAN – Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IACCI),

            - Dress Code Lounge (gents) Business Suit/Saree (ladies)

    May 1, 2010 - Departure to Colombo by IT 061 at 1245

    Arrival in Colombo 1405







TRADE



India - Sri Lanka Bilateral Trade Relations

Bilateral economic and commercial relations between India and Sri Lanka have been on a sharp increase, particularly following the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 1998. Trading under the FTA was implemented in the year 2000. In the last 10 years, our bilateral trade has grown exceptionally and India has emerged as the largest trade partner of Sri Lanka.


An examination of bilateral trade statistics between Sri Lanka and India makes it abundantly clear that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been a win-win for both Countries. The overall volume of trade has increased profusely. The basket of items being traded has also expanded. India has emerged as the largest source of imports and fourth largest export destination for Sri Lanka (rising from 16th rank in 2000). India is also now the largest trade partner of Sri Lanka. In terms of overall trade turnover, India is followed by USA and UK, who are largely importers of traditional Sri Lankan products such as garments and tea from Sri Lanka. In fact, India is the most balanced trade partner of Sri Lanka among the top five such partners in the sense both Sri Lankan exports and imports are rather substantial and trade turnover is not made up overwhelmingly by imports or exports, as is the case with other such partners.

As of now, 1180 tariff lines remain in the Sri Lankan negative list that includes Agriculture/livestock items, rubber products, paper products, Iron and Steel, machinery, and electrical items. On the Indian side, there are 429 items in the negative list, which include garments, plastic products and rubber products etc.

Main Items Exported from Sri Lanka

The main items of export from Sri Lanka in 2008 were: coffee, tea and spices (13.47%); electrical machinery and equipment (12.24%); vegetable fats and oils (10.88%); rubber and rubber products (8.53%); Residues and waste from food industry (8.03%); Machinery and mechanical appliances (4.59%); Paper/Paperboard/waste (4.54%); precious or semi-precious stones (4.5%); tugs and pusher craft (3.58%); copper and copper products (3.25%); and others (26.4%).

Product/Description Value US$ million % of Total
Coffee, Tea & Spices 52.94 13.47
Electrical Machinery & Equipment 48.11 12.24
Vegetable Fats/ Oils 42.76 10.88
Rubber & Rubber Products 33.54 8.53
Residues & Waste from Food Industry 31.58 8.03
Machinery & Mechanical Appliances 18.06 4.59
Paper / Paperboard - Waste 17.84 4.54
Precious or Semi - Precious Stones 17.68 4.50
Tugs and Pusher Craft 14.07 3.58
Copper & Copper products 12.78 3.25






Main Items exported from India to Sri Lanka


The main items of export from India in 2008 were: Mineral fuels/oils (34.39%); Vehicles other than Railway or Tramway (9.7%); Sugar (5.7%); Cotton (4.95%); Iron & Steel (3.71%); Pharmaceutical products (3.41%); Machinery and mechanical appliances (2.94%); Paper and Paperboard (2.42%); Edible vegetables (2.36%); Copper and copper products (2.25%); and others (28.17%).



Product/Description Value US$ million % of Total
Mineral Fuels / Oils 917.68 34.39
Vehicles Other than Railway or Tramway 258.99 9.70
Sugar 152.02 5.70
Cotton 132.18 4.95
Iron & Steel 98.93 3.71
Pharmaceutical products 91.09 3.41
Machinery and Mechanical Appliances 78.53 2.94
Paper and paperboard 64.62 2.42
Edible Vegetables 62.99 2.36
Copper & Copper Products 59.94 2.25

IMPACT OF FTA ON BILATERAL TRADE

Bilateral Trade Figures for last 10 years

Year Imports from India Exports to India Total Trade Trade Deficit for Sri Lanka EXIM Ratio
SL Imports:
SL Exports
All figures in US $ million, (FTA implemented in March 2000)
1999 512 49 561 -463 10.4:1
2000 600 58 658 -542 10.3:1
2001 602 72 674 -530 8.4:1
2002 835 171 1006 -664 4.9:1
2003 1076 241 1317 -835 4.4:1
2004 1358 385 1743 -973 3.5:1
2005 1399 559 1958 -840 2.5:1
2006 1805 489 2294 -1316 3.6:1
2007 2750 516 3266 -2234 5.3:1
2008 2845 419 3265 -2846 6.7:1

FLIGHT DETAILS


IT 062 25th April Colombo / Chennai Dep.1505/Arr.1620

IT 2485 25th April Chennai/Cochin Dep.1835/Arr.2010

IT 2906 29th April Coimbatore/Chennai Dep.1950/Arr.2105

        IT 061 01st May Chennai/Colombo Dep.1245/Arr.1405

Airline - Kingfisher

Airfare (approximate cost)

Economy Class - Rs.29,300/- Per Person with all taxes

Visa fees – Rs. 350/- per person

PARTICIPATION COST


Administrative Cost

Rs. 69,276/48 (Rs. 60,000/- + NBT + 12% VAT) per delegate will be charged being administrative cost to cover, local transport in Cochin, Coimbatore & Chennai, printing of mission brochures, Identity badges, communication cost, etc.

Hotel Accommodation (7 nights)

Five star accommodation approximately US$ 115 nett on Bed & Breakfast basis . We are trying to negotiate a good rate for the delegates. If all delegates are agreeable, we could identify a three star hotel which would cost about US$ 65 in Cochin & Coimbatore. Chennai will be higher. We shall try to negotiate either a five or three star hotel according to the majority preference of the delegates.

Please note that all delegates will be expected to stay in the same hotel.

Airfare:

Airfare (approximate cost)

Economy Class - Rs.29,300/- Per Person with all taxes

Total Cost

The total cost to be borne by the participant would comprise the Administrative fee of Rs. 69,276/48 (Rs. 60,000/- + NBT + 12% VAT) cost of airfare Rs. 29,300/- (economy class) & hotel accommodation for 7 nights (approximately US$ 115 x Rs.116 x 7 = Rs. 93,380 five star hotel) The total cost inclusive of the VAT component is Rs.191,956/48 for seven days exclusive of visa fee. We shall try to negotiate better rates for the hotels in all three places.

We are targeting at a 6 - 8 member delegation and registration will be on first come-first served basis.

OFFICIAL TRAVEL AGENT

We are pleased to inform you that the Chamber has appointed Classic Travel (Pvt) Ltd., No.379/4, Galle Road, Colombo 3, as the Official Travel Agent for this mission. The ticketing and assistance to obtain visa will be handled by them. Participants who wish to do their own ticketing are welcome to do so. However, you are kindly requested to adhere to the flight schedule set out above. In the event the participants opt to do the ticketing through their travel agent, the visa formalities too will have to be handled by the same travel agent. The contact persons for Classic Travel (Pvt) Ltd. would be:

MR. DILSHAN GODFRED, Tel: 4524104/2577527-30, MOBILE: 0777 – 718564

MANORI RANASINGHE, TEL: 4524142/2577527-30, MOBILE: 0773 – 850388

NOMINATION PROCEDURE


Members interested in joining this mission, are kindly requested to return the attached form duly perfected along with a cheque for Rs. 69,276/48 (Rs. 60,000/- + NBT + 12% VAT) (admin cost) per participant drawn in favour of the ‘Ceylon Chamber of Commerce’ and a passport size photograph along with a clear copy of the passport on or before March 9, 2010. Please note that the passport should have at least six months validity.

Since arrangements have to be made to obtain visas and the profiles too have to be sent for matching by March 11, 2010, your immediate response would be greatly appreciated.

Whilst every effort will be made by the Chambers in Cochin, Coimbatore & Chennai to source suitable business partners for the mission members, participating delegates are also kindly advised to do their own market research with regard to potential/opportunities for the products/services they intend promoting into these markets.

We have requested the relevant Chambers in Cochin, Coimbatore & Chennai to provide us with a list of buyers/sellers in advance. The addresses will be passed on to the participants on receipt of the same. However, we wish to inform the participants that according to our past experience, we have not been successful in obtaining the list in advance. Hence, though we would strive to provide you with the addresses, since we depend totally on our counterparts overseas, we cannot guarantee this service.

Sgd.

(Mrs) I P Domingopillai

Consultant

Sri Lanka Jewelers is back!

After a long period of silence, Sri Lanka Jewelers blog is back. I was busy with other works for almost six months. Now I'm little free and want to update Sri Lanka Jewelers blog to provide updated industry news for my readers.

Sri Lanka Jewelers blog is the oldest and most active blog for gem and jewellery industry in Sri Lanka. I cover almost every industry activities in this blog. Now, you can keep coming to this blog to see whats going on in Sri Lankan gem and jewelry market.

There another good news for Sri Lankan gem and jewellery dealers as well as international gem and jewellery buyer and traders. There is another website is schedule to be launched within next 3 months to provide a better access to the Sri Lankan market. Information about this website is still unknown and will be updated on this blog as I get information.

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