The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) had a 75-member delegation participate at the eighth annual Jaffna International Trade Fair (JITF).

Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce, noted that Jaffna has the smallest provincial GDP but also is the fast growing province. Issues such as the lack of infrastructure, lack of skill base, lack of economic and business information and hesitancy of the private sector to invest, are all factors contributing to a low GDP.

“What is important here is that such strong provincial GDP growth in the North is reported despite these issues. On the other hand once these issues are resolved we can expect the Province to become a key contributor to Sri Lanka's GDP. Also high profile events such as JITF that showcase Jaffna's great potential to the world are also now part of future growth of Northern GDP guided by the visions of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe," said Bathiudeen.

Chairman- Exhibition Council of ASSOCHAM, Vinay R Sharma stated "We also find the South of Sri Lanka is now saturated for Indian businesses with less and less opportunities but Jaffna, is still a virgin market for us – offering large and untapped potentials to our member base, which exceeds 475,000 firms."

Further, Sharma stated that the Chamber is ready to commence industrial zones in Sri Lanka – with a focus on export. "Such is our level of engagement and we believe that this will strengthen our bilateral trade," he said.

The exhibition is estimated to have hosted over 300 vendors from various industries such as construction, hospitality, food, beverage, packing, ICT, financial services, textiles, agriculture and more.

JITF was held from January 27^th to the 29^th at the Municipal Grounds in Jaffna. The event was surrounded by some controversy as the Northern Provincial Council were not consulted or involved in its organisation, and local businesses also did not participate.