Jaffna trade fair back on January 18
View(s):Jaffna’s most looked-forward to trade fair – the 2013 edition of the Jaffna International Trade Fair (JIFT) – will be held on January 18, at the tail-end of the “Harvest Festival” – Thai Pongal.
Shoppers at the fair last year.
The exhibition, a ‘must attend’ event by the citizens, businessman, traders and entrepreneurs of the North will be held at the Duraiyappah stadium in the town.
The trade fair which comprises both local and international stalls holders catering to a diverse variety of needs and services drew a gathering of over 50,000 visitors in its last edition and has been considered the single most focal point for a wide spectrum of investors and citizens, according to the fair organiser, Lanka Exhibition & Conference Services (Pvt.) Ltd.
It is an initiative by the Ministry of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development, Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Yarlpanam (CCIY), Consulate General of India in Jaffna, Jaffna Municipal Council and Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.
Director of Lanka Exhibition Services, Imran Hassan said that the market in the northern region has matured since the inception of the event four years ago.
“The entire dynamics of the market is gradually changing. When we went in first Jaffna was unknown territory and we were the first to enter and explore this region. But today everything is changing with the massive amount of infrastructure and livelihood development in the area. There is now a chance of sustained growth and an expansion of investment and the trade fair will provide the ideal opportunity for markets to meet market, and consumers to meet service and solution providers,” he said.
K. Poornachandan, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry- Yaalpanam, said that the event is considered as the best gathering point for business leaders, consumers, industry holders and entrepreneurs and therefore this year’s exhibition will draw in unprecedented crowds.
JIFT 2013 will also comprise of an Education Pavilion with some of Colombo’s and Jaffna’s most sought after education service providers partnering the event. Over 20 educational institutes representing over a 1000 local and foreign universities will be a part and parcel of the exhibition.
Follow @timesonlinelk
comments powered by Disqus