President Maithripala Sirisena says it is vital to work in accordance with a policy based on the local industries in the process of strengthening the national economy.

The President pointed out that proper management of the resources in a country as well as the investments made from the use of those resources is fundamental to develop a country.

The President made these remarks participating in the opening ceremony of the International Footwear & Leather Fair 2018, held at the BMICH, today (02).

President Sirisena further said that even though we need foreign investments for the development of the country, we should obtain all those foreign investments in a way which would not harm our local industries. He also emphasized that he will not allow any room to weaken the local industries due to the influences of foreign investments.

The President said that nevertheless we could not be satisfied about the priority given to the local industries within the country over the past two decades and further said that a pleasant environment for our export market failed to emerge over the past 15 to 20 years as a result of giving lack of priority for the industry.

President Sirisena also stressed the importance of strengthening all local industries in finding solutions for economic difficulties and poverty alleviation and further said that the Government will intervene as a policy to find solutions for all the issues faced by them when doing their business while taking steps to encourage all the persons who are engaged in local industries as well as to provide necessary resources and reliefs for them.

This exhibition organized annually by the Sri Lanka Footwear and Leather Products Manufacturers Association in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries, Industrial Development Board of Ceylon and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board with the objectives of promoting and giving proper recognition to the industry, unveiling hidden talents and capabilities of the SME’s, identifying the most creative and skilled manufacturers to be developed as potential exporters and linking SMEs to large scale manufacturers.

Exhibitors will include manufacturers, Exporters and Suppliers of Footwear Raw material, Machinery, Chemicals, Leather Goods, Components & Accessories, Travel Goods and other related services and the local companies and foreign companies exhibiting their products in 230 stalls at the fair. The International Footwear & Leather Fair 2018 will be held from 02nd to 04th February at the BMICH.

Minister of Trade and Commerce Rishard Badurdeen, State Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Trade and Commerce Ranjith Ashoka, the President of the Sri Lanka Footwear and Leather Products Manufacturers Association P.G. Nimalasiri and others participated in this event.