Coconut Development Authority (CDA) in coordination with the Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria successfully participated at the Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX 2019) held in Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg from 23 to 25 June 2019. SAITEX is Africa's largest product sourcing and trade event which provides an opportunity for exhibitors to network with buyers, distributors and other interested businesses in South Africa and in the region. A large number of exhibitors both from Northern and Southern African Region and other countries were present in this year’s event. The event attracted visitors from more than 26 countries who attend to source the latest products, meet new partners and conclude export and import deals.
Coconut Development Authority, under the purview of Ministry of Plantation Industries sponsored the Sri Lanka pavilion and five exporters of coconut based products namely, Consolidated Business Systems Limited, Sena Mills Refineries (Private) Limited, Waguruwela Oil Mills (Private) Limited, NDC Exports (Pvt) Ltd and A S Agri Exports (Private) Limited. In addition Aussee Oats Milling (Private) Limited participated in Africa’s Big Seven and Rainco (Private) Limited participated in The Hotel Show Africa which were co-located with SAITEX 2019.
The Sri Lanka Pavilion was declared open on 23 June 209 by lighting traditional oil lamp by the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in South Africa Kumar Mallimaratchi, Mrs. Udeni Mallimaratchi, President of DMG events- Middle East, Asia and Africa Matt Denton Vice President of SAITEX, Devi Paulsen and Editor of the Diplomatic Society Kirtan Bana. His Majesty King Zombi Fabrice Kavabioko visited the Sri Lanka Pavilion at SAITEX 2019 and was highly delighted after savoring the premium Sri Lankan coconut products.
The Sri Lankan exhibitors were highly satisfied with the firm inquiries received for its products from South African importers and distributors who visited SAITEX 2019.
First Secretary Commercial Mr. Kapila J. Kumara and Third Secretary Commercial Sanjeewa Ranasinghe Bandara, of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria coordinated Sri Lanka's participation while Assistant Director of the Sri Lanka Coconut Development Authority Mr. M.M. Puspakantha assisted Sri Lankan participants throughout the event. The three-day event was successfully concluded on 25 June 2019.
