By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): Recognising the potential for mutual benefit, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) submitted a proposal to formulate a comprehensive action plan in collaboration with the partners of the International Fair-Trade Network.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved signing a cooperation framework aimed at enhancing collaboration with the International Fair-Trade Networks.
The primary objective is to promote and integrate the ‘Fair-Trade Concept’ within the economic framework of Sri Lanka.
International Fair-Trade Network is a global network that equitably distributes benefits through standards, certification, producer support programs and counselling.
Sri Lanka offers an inspiring example of a legislative process and a unique framework of cooperation on Fair Trade between the government of Sri Lanka and the international Fair Trade networks, FairTrade advocacy office said.
The analysis has shown that there is an urgent need for strengthening the Fair Trade movement’s structures and capacities – especially on advocacy activities – and for encouraging exchange of knowledge and experience among Fair Trade actors.
Awareness-raising among governmental authorities on different political levels is also still needed in most of the cases.
The study concludes that there are many different public policy instruments to achieve support for Fair Trade, such as laws, non-binding resolutions, national action plans, strategies, initiatives, etc.
The case studies give ideas and inspiration on the steps to take and the institutions and actors to approach to achieve more support for Fair Trade at policy level.
Many organisations engaged in international trade work as partners in the international Fair-Trade Network.
This institute can guide policies supporting ‘Fair Trade’ and ‘Trade Justice’ in the European Union and interact and maintain a continuous dialogue with European Union institutions.
The signing of this cooperation framework will mark a commitment to sustainable and just trade practices that will benefit both local producers and the global community.
“The cooperation framework is anticipated to facilitate knowledge exchange, policy development and the establishment of practices that adhere to the principles of fairness in international trade.
In addition, it will have a positive impact on Sri Lanka’s international trade relations,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.
The proposal to this effect submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Investment Promotion Minister was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday.
