The principal organizing body for the 8th SAARC Trade fair – 2008 is none other than the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) the largest and most representative apex business organization of the Sri Lankan private sector business. The FCCISL is also the most widely spread business organization with member bodies from all districts and provinces of Sri Lanka.

With a nation wide membership of over 50 chambers of Commerce and business associations, FCCISL espouses the shared vision of Sri Lankan businesses and speaks directly and indirectly to over 15,000 large, medium and small segments of manufacturing, distributive trade & services spread both locally and internationally.

Following its extremely successful organizing of the 2nd SAARC Trade Fair which was held in Colombo in the year 1998; the FCCISL has been once again honoured with the task of organizing of this years’ event for which it will act as the principal organizer along with its other stake holders; namely the Department of Commerce, Export Development Board, Board of Investment, Sri Lanka Customs, Sri Lanka Tourist Board, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Export Promotion & international trade.

FCCISL is also the nodal point for the Sri Lankan chapters of; Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), SAARC Chambers of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) & World Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (WASME) and hence fully equipped to provide leadership to this years’  trade fair, which endeavours to create ‘Regional Opportunities for Global growth’ the theme for the 8th
SAARC Trade Fair 2008.

As in the past, the trade fair will attract manufacturers, exporters, trading organizations, entrepreneurs and micro & women enterprises, who are in the business of,

  • Engineering products
  • Machinery, Plant & equipment
  • Agricultural Implements / Related items
  • Chemicals, Drugs & Pharmaceuticals
  • Herbal Products
  • Leather Products
  • Jute & Plastic items
  • Textiles & Ready made garments
  • Handicrafts
  • Ceramic & Sanitary fittings
  • Food & Processed food
  • Electronic & Electrical items
  • Auto parts & Vehicles
  • Rubber based products
  • Jewellery & Semi precious costumes
  • Computers & Accessories
  • Furniture & Furnishings
  • and many other products manufactured & marketed within the SAARC region.

Such an effort will not only open-up avenues for free trade within the region but also help increase consumer awareness and the level of confidence in products manufactured by the SAARC member countries.