'Sri Lanka Expo 2012’ , organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), is scheduled to be held from March 28 to 30 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo.

The embassy’s Commercial Counselor Anil Sirimanna told Arab News that local businessmen would be given concessional return air tickets to Colombo and three nights’ free accommodation at a star-class hotel.

“We have given an open invitation to all the chambers of commerce and industry in all parts of the Kingdom and the relevant details are available even on the event’s website too,” Sirimanna said.

This is a good opportunity for the Saudi businessmen to know the trade potentials available in the island, he said.

The expo will feature a splendid array of exports with the unique Sri Lankan flavor giving buyers and visitors to the fair the opportunity to experience the true essence of Sri Lankan entrepreneurship.

It will provide an ideal opportunity for Sri Lankan exporters to showcase their quality export products and services, traditional and non-traditional, at a single platform with over 370 stalls to an international audience.

More than 1,000 buyers from strategic markets are expected to attend the event, he said.

He indicated that the show would also provide a unique combination of exhibition, symposiums, keynote addresses and corporate events. Symposiums on themes related to creating awareness on the conducive investment climate and Sri Lanka’s image as a tourist destination will be launched with eminent international business leaders as keynote speakers.

The event is expected to attract 370 exhibitors and 700 foreign visitors. A 150-strong delegation from China has already registered for the show. Sirimanna said the exhibition would showcase the island’s export products and services.

“It has attracted, trade and business associations, public and private sector representatives and other international buyers from all parts of the globe,” he added. .

Trade delegations from the US will have 35 members, he said. Other countries include UAE (50), UK (45), Belgium (25), Singapore (35), Thailand (40), Malaysia (40), Korea (30), Pakistan (20), France (10), Russia (10) and Germany (10).

China and India will be among the largest delegations, with 150 and 120 members respectively.

Among the large buyers who have already confirmed their participation are Walmart Global Sourcing, ASDA, Arcadia, H & M, Victoria’s Secret, Bhs, M&S, Calzedonia, Lulu and Carrefour.

Ministerial delegations from Bangladesh, China, India, Korea, Maldives, Pakistan and the UAE would also arrive in the island for the show.

A trade and investment symposium will be part of the events.

Sirimanna said Sri Lanka now enjoys complete solidarity with a strong political leadership promising high economic growth.

“It is opportune to encourage the exporters to increase their export volumes and to diversify their products and markets. As the apex body for export promotion, EDB facilitates buyers to make Sri Lanka a sourcing destination for quality products and services.”

This will be an event for business networking among the stakeholders, whilst positioning the country’s image as a positive vibrant economy among the global business community, Sirimanna said.

Speaking from Colombo, Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen said that the entire country including the North and the East is now gearing for economic resurgence and development under the able leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

“Sri Lanka has shown a steady growth from 2010 onwards,” Minister Bathiudeen said.