SLINTEC to provide EDB with R&D to help exports
View(s):The Export Development Board (EDB) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) to enhance research and development access to Sri Lanka’s exporters. As part of that endeavour EDB has provided space to SLINTEC to open a satellite office at their headquarters in Nawam Mawatha, according to an EDB media release.
In addition to the strategic and business development staff of SLINTEC being present on a regular basis at the EDB premises, SLINTEC will also conduct a weekly ‘Science Clinic’ to enable exporters to discuss their main concerns and drive new innovation to their current product range. The EDB encourages the exporters to utilize the facilities being offered and to seek assistance from SLINTEC where necessary.
State Minister of International Trade Sujeewa Senasinghe, who witnessed the event, said: “… in addition to FDI and policies, new technology is crucial for us to develop and even enhance our exports effort. Countries above Sri Lanka such as Korea, Singapore, etc kept pace and won and this is a lesson for us”.Chairperson and CEO of EDB Indira Malwatte said the way forward in exports is to go beyond the primary and traditional exports basket to innovative new products exported from Sri Lanka.SLINTEC Chairman Mahesh Amalean noted that technology will play a key role in facilitating the creation of new value to Sri Lankan exports thus providing an opportunity to meet the challenges of a highly competitive global environment.