Exporters play a vital role of an economy because they make extensive contribution to the countrys GDP and earn

large quantity of foreign exchange by exporting services and productions. According to the assignment question, I identified two vital bodies which assisted Sri Lankan exporters to succeed their goals international market. One of these is National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) and the other is Export Development Board (EDB) National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) is the descendant of the National Exporters Association (NEA) which was started by Mr Patrick Amerasinghe with a small team of exporters in late 1986. With the growth of its members and the role the NEA was rejuvenated with Name of National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) in 1994 and continued its serving. The main objective of this forum is to provide the representation for the exporters in agriculture, industrial and service sectors who did not take part in any such organization. National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) successfully influenced the activities in export developments since its beginning. National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) assisted the government to launch favourable policies to exporters in hope of enhancing exports. It has a legion of exporters from small entrepreneurs to large companies in three sectors of country economy. Since 1989 the chamber extend its hand to join with National Export Development board, national development council, Board of investment and other institutions related to exports. Because of the high its high performance, the Chamber became a member of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL). To make inducive environment for Sri Lankan exporter, the chambers started award ceremony and the publication of the Sri Lanka Exporter magazine. USAID helped to mark the chambers own recognition in export development sector by establishing its own secretariat. The main objectives of National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) in details are as follows. To secure and maintain the interest of exporters involved in goods and services exporting in Sri Lanka. To form a representative institution for the exporters influenced by various matters to deal with authorities. To facilitate exporters to be more competitive in international market and among the exporters. To full fill these objectives, the chamber has laid out various measurements up to this by providing following service to the exporters. Service of Propaganda Publicise SRI LANKA EXPORTER magazine For the purpose of making aware of the international and national bodies about Sri Lankan exporters, NCE has launched various plans. SRI LANKA EXPORTER magazine is one of those attempts launched by the NCE.

Since 1992, this magazine has been quarterly published for enhancing the knowledge of buyers through various articles of information. More than 4000 copies are distributed internationally and locally for boosting the exposure of exporters and promoting their products. NCE website Most of current valuable trade related information about exporters circulated through this website. This website is updated regularly. The NCE answered trade inquiries through this website efficiently while securing the standard offered by the NCE. Furthermore NCE propose to offer other value added features to members in due course to promote their products and services through their own web page in the website, as well as to obtain answers to their queries on export related issues from the Chamber. NCE export awards This the glorious event of the Sri Lankan exporters segment conducted annually to mark the position of the exporter and to encourage perform their best. This is covering field of agriculture sector (Traditional & NonTraditional), industrial, garments, gems & jewellery, value added tea etc. and service providers. This is the only chamber which recognizes, evaluates and motivates the export performance among its members, annually. This will help exporters to continuous achievement the quality and the price of the product and the service with compliance of statutory and social responsibilities. The achievements are immensely incorporated with their all-important documents and advertisements which aimed at attracting buyers. NCE members directory This attractive Directory contains member information and contact details. It is updated from time to time and distributed in vital trade points to promote the products of its members. The Directory is provided to members on a complimentary basis Information, advisory and training services Business meetings, seminar and workshops These are conducted on regular basis relating to exporting related issues. Members are entitled to enter these without fees in most occasions. Trade Information Centre (TIC) The member of NCE can access the information in the magazines, publications, trade directories available in TIC. This is a valuable resource to the exporters. Further details of contacts of potential buyers will be provided at a nominal fee. Training Programmes

Within the premise of NCE, non-technical export related programmes are conducted by elite professionals in the relevant fields. These programmes can be accessed by the member and non-members of the NCE, both for obtaining the knowledge pertaining to respective fields. Advisory services NCE provides various advisory services for its member in relation to the export related issues which adversely affected the exporter. Even if those issues were from policy or operational issues, those may be represented by NCE and attempt get resolutions or compensation with relevant state authorities and forums. In due course, NCE will diversify this service to address those issues more effectively. Certificates of origin & related export documents Certificates of Origin and related export documents are issued to members at a low rate, which is lower than the rates offered by other Chambers. The Application Form is issued free of charge. The significant feature is that the service is provided speedily with no inconvenience to exporters.

Export Development Board (EDB) is a body which is incorporated with government to develop the export sector of the country. Sri Lankas premier State organization for promotion and development of exports, established in 1979 under the Sri Lanka Export Development Act No. 40 of 1979. Exports contribute nearly 17% to the GDP of the country and as the national export promotion organization, mandated to develop and promote exports from Sri Lanka, the EDB has to play a leading role in achieving the national objectives. The mission of the EDB is To be the nations leading catalyst organization for the development and promotion of products and services for exports, to enhance Global competitiveness, maximize export earnings and achieve national economic goals. EDB has following objectives to be fulfilled with its timeline. To increase the countrys export value of products and services to US$ 15 Bn. by 2015, in line with Mahinda Chintana Vision for the Future. To increase exports to markets other than the EU and USA by over 50% by 2015, while consolidating the market position in the EU and USA. To pay particular attention to the seven identified key product sectors, which will contribute over 80% of total export value, and achieve significant growth in those sectors To project a more positive and a favourable image of Sri Lankas exports as a whole, through the conduct of integrated marketing communication programmes in selected markets.

 To broad-base the beneficiaries of exports across the country and sectors, including SMEs. To build a team of excellence at the EDB based on core values, with particular emphasis on employee productivity and commitment. All the services are provided for the sake of achieving those objectives and therefore it can be stated that above objectives are the foundation of the services offered by EDB as well as the scope its activities. EDB has the role of policy advisor, monitor, promoter, facilitator and knowledge provider on exports in the country. EDB has dedicated itself for providing following service for the exporters of the country. Registration of exporters EDB is the authenticated institution for registering Exporters Island wide. Exporters are registered without charge. Providing trade related information /data Product wise and marketwise export data, international buyers and prices are popular data provided by EDB providing advisory services Export related subjects [fiscal incentives, import / export procedures, costing and pricing, product / market specific, export related legal issues] are mostly provided by the professionals in EDB. Training and Advisory services on dissemination of Technical Information on Export Packaging. Business library service This a valuable source for exporters who seek knowledge. This is opened at EDB head office in working hours. Export related publications Exporters Directory, Exponews, Apanayana Puwath, Export Performance Indicators and other technical / educational materials on export related subjects are published by the EDB for the assistance of exporters, students and local bodies who are keen on the subject. E-Commerce Services This came up with the new technology and still our country far behind those propensities. EDB support exporters providing following aspects of E-Commerce. E.g. www.srilankabusiness.com - On-line trading Trade statistics - On-line buyer searches - Creation of websites - Internet / e-mail connections - Organizing seminars/ awareness - Programmes on e-commerce activities

 Audio-Visual support for export Promotion On demand this service is provided to members on nominal fee depending on the activity. Awareness programme and training programme Organizing seminars / workshops / awareness programmes on export related activities. Those various programs are conducted by EDB to enlighten exporters. Following programmes are regularly conducted on following topics; Product specific Supply and Market, Development Programmes [supply, quality, productivity, product adaptation/development, design, market (including contract promotion, buyer/seller) etc.] In addition to that organizing product specific workshops, Training/seminars & awareness programmes are organized for the exporters. Organizing multi product market development and promotion programmes overseas Assistance for establishing a quality management system for agri-products Assistance for SMEs to obtain SLSI Quality Certification Facilitate participation in trade fairs held locally for promotion of exports promotion of Sri Lankan products & Services through trade promotion offices, trade centres & export promotion. Recommendation to open an Indirect Exporters Foreign Currency Account [IEFCA] Presidential Export Awards Evaluate and praise exporters for their dedicated performance in export trade. Evaluation and selection of winners will be done by a panel of judges and will be finalized one month before the Award ceremony. Development of export oriented SMEs - Providing support to SMEs especially in the Provinces. - Programmes to link farmer/producer clusters with exporters. - Supply development programmes in the provinces - Conducting entrepreneur/skills development and awareness programmes in the provinces Resolving problems / issues faced by exporters and entrepreneurs Export & Enterprise Development Forum In this context, the EDB which spearheads the Governments export development segment has to play a key role in achieving the development objectives of the country