CB Governor sets record straight on export remittances & conversions

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) has affirmed that its membership strictly abides by the Central Bank (CB) laws on repatriating export income, reiterating that the apparel sector brings back the entirety of its export proceeds to Sri Lanka.

JAAF said in a media release that CB Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe has affirmed  in an interview on December 8 that: “Of the exports in September and October, exporters have repatriated or brought 100 per cent of export earnings into our banking system. I want to make it very clear that based on the data for those two months, exporters are not keeping money abroad”.

The Governor went on to say that in the case of the apparel sector, the industry refers to a local value addition of 50 per cent. CB investigations have confirmed that 25 per cent of export proceedings on average have been directly converted to rupees by the exporters, and that the CB was looking into the remaining 25 per cent of export proceedings. He acknowledged, however, that this may be due to exporters utilising these dollars for approved local purchases. These would include the purchase of both diesel from CPC and LIOC, and domestically produced raw materials which are required for the industry.

In light of the above, JAAF wants to reiterate that under the existing regulations set out by the CB, exporters are permitted to make outward payments for purchases of raw materials, and the remaining proceeds are converted automatically by the respective commercial banks on the seventh day of the following  month.

In addition to payments made to overseas suppliers, the growth of the local supply chain also means that apparel companies could pay up to 25 per cent of their inward foreign currency remittances to indirect exporters in Sri Lanka. As mentioned by the Governor, these additional dollar payments may not be accounted for properly which has led to misconceptions surrounding the industry’s foreign exchange conversions.

“Given the current economic milieu in the country, companies use a considerable portion of export proceeds to purchase raw materials, fuel and other items essential for seamless operations in the event of unforeseen crises. This is aligned with a preparedness formula which nearly all exporters have implemented, having learned lessons from crises experienced in the last three years. Reiterating that the industry has been a mainstay in contributing towards vital essentials for the country including fuel, medicine and food during the worst of the financial crisis, JAAF members are acutely conscious of the crucial role they play in keeping the economic wheels turning.  The Governor also placed on record his appreciation to the apparel sector for their continued support.”

“We are confident that companies in our membership have been abiding by the law, ensuring that export proceeds are repatriated for the economic benefit of the country. JAAF member companies have and will continue to comply with the existing regulations and will strive to complement all efforts taken by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Government in providing much-needed assistance to all stakeholders of the economy, to redirect Sri Lanka’s economy to a path of recovery and growth.”

JAAF member companies acknowledge the Governor’s remarks on the need for strict foreign exchange repatriation and conversion requirements over the short term to tide over current economic hardships. JAAF similarly commends the Governor’s remarks on the need to periodically relax the repatriation and conversion requirements “as it does not work” and move towards creating a suite of positive incentives that will encourage the voluntary repatriation and conversion in line with global standards and practices.