Minister of Trade Bandula Gunawardana says a short term national plan has been compiled for export promotion.
Speaking in Parliament today, the Minister said market diversification and export modernisation is essential in order to move forward with the world.
Minister Gunawardana said Sri Lankan exports are focused on several western countries with many apparel exports heading to the United States and other western countries.
He noted that undiscovered markets such as Ethiopia and Africa must be tapped into and new markets must be sought after daily.
The Trade Minister said Sri Lanka must not be fixated on one region in the exports sector adding that new heights must be sought after.
The Minister added traditional ways and beliefs of engaging in businesses must be set aside.
Joining the debate Parliamentarian Kabir Hashim said an economic virus has been created by the government leading to the country being crippled.
The MP charged that Minister Bandula Gunawardana when in the opposition questioned why the then government was in place if prices of goods and the exchange rate could not be controlled, adding that the tables have turned at present.
MP Hashim stated that Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa must be present in Parliament.
He claimed there are burning issues in the country adding that while COVID-19 originated overseas, the local economic virus was created by the present government.
The MP said the Finance Minister must attend Parliament sessions in order to respond to charges.
The Parliamentarian also claimed that the public and the economy is being pushed to an unbearable point stating that the government must be held responsible.
