National Chamber of Exporters

NATIONAL CHAMBER OF EXPORTERS OF SRI LANKA (NCE) PROFILE

The National Exporters Association (NEA) which was the forerunner to the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka was established in late 1986 by a small band of dedicated exporters. Led by the founder president, Mr. Patrick Amerasinghe, the NEA was set up to provide a forum for exporters who previously had no organisation to represent them. The NEA was able to overcome many obstacles which stood in the way of achieving its objectives. The Association lobbied very successfully on behalf of its members and influenced the Government to make many policy decisions that assist exporters in Sri Lanka.

The NEA instigated many campaigns to highlight matters concerning export development. As its influence began to gather momentum, the membership started to include not only small and medium exporters but large and extra large companies, representing the agricultural, industrial and service sectors. With this growth, both in its membership and its role, the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) was incorporated on 18th July 1994 as the successor to NEA and has continued to serve its members with commitment and dedication. In recognition of the efforts of the Chamber Mr. Amerasinghe was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors of the Export Development Board in 1989. This gave the Chamber the opportunity to more effectively influence various activities in export development. Mr. Amerasinghe was also appointed as a member of the boards of several government institutions, including the National Development Council, Board of Investment and other Training Organisations. Armed with it's high profile, the Chamber became a member of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL).

Within three years, the President of the NCE was unanimously elected as the President of the FCCISL, a position which he held for a record six years. Mr. Amerasinghe has been unanimously re-elected for a continuous period of 15 years as the President of the NCE from its inception.

The success and progression of the NCE meant new premises were required, as the organisation could no longer adequately serve from the existing office. Once established in new premises, the NCE expanded its portfolio of activities to further support and assist its members. Publication of the ‘Sri Lanka Exporter’ magazine began, providing a forum for discussion and education. The very successful Annual Exports Awards Ceremony was also begun, along with the establishment of The Trade Information and Business Centres. At this time, the USAID supported the NCE to establish it’s own secretariat in recognition of it’s contribution to the export sector.

Our Objects :

To protect the interest of persons and organizations engaged in the export of Goods and Services.
To make representations to the relevant authorities regarding matters affecting its members and the export community.
To assist direct and indirect exporters to become internationally competitive.

Our Achievements:

During its relatively short period of existence, the NCE has maintained a high degree of visibility and profile. It has been successful in its efforts to create greater consciousness, to take the export sector to the forefront and contribute to the many socio-economic challenges the country faced.

Some of the Achievements of the NCE are:

Creating a national export consciousness.
Initiated a periodic dialogue with the President of Sri Lanka and regular meetings with the Secretary to the Treasury and Policy Planning and top government officials to provide speedy solutions to the problems of exporters through monthly Trade Chamber meetings.
Campaigned for setting up of an International Exhibition Centre.
Acceptance of a proposal to issue International Credit Cards to exporters.
Successful publication of the Sri Lanka Exporter magazine.
Recognition of members through the NCE Export Awards scheme.
Getting the Government to declare a Year of Exports in 1992 and a Decade of Exports from 1992.
Initiating a dialogue with the President of Sri Lanka.
Initiating the first export fair for Sri Lankan Export Products in 1992 which was to be held once in two years.
Setting up of a Trade Information Centre.
Successfully lobbied to set up a World Trade Centre by the Government for exporters to display and hold Trade Exhibitions for their products.

NCE Liaison Point in Geneva :

The NCE has a liaison point in Geneva in order to assist members as well as non-members whenever they make requests to the Secretariat.

Mr. Ruvan de Alwis who was the former Trade and Bi-lateral Advisor to the Board of Investment (B.O.I) is the liaison officer of the NCE in Geneva. He liaises with the International Trade Centre in Geneva (TIC), World Trade Organization (WTO) and other International trade Organizations on behalf of the NCE.

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