By Ifham Nizam

Pro Foods 2002 — a trade fair in Sri Lanka was a success according to many stall holders and the organisers of the three day exhibitionwhich ended on Sunday.

This event was organised by the Sri Lanka Food Processors Association (SLFPA) in association with the Ministry of Industrial Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Agribusiness Council.

SLFPA secretary Nanda Kohona said that the objectives of the exhibition was to facilitate Sri Lanka’s role of the chairmanship for the BIMST-EC forum 2002-2005 — (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand-Economic Corporation).

Kohona added: The exhibition also helped to develop bilateral trade between process food industries of BIMST-EC, while promoting intra regional investment, to promote Sri Lanka as the hub for processed food in the region and internationally and to create awareness and to expose national and regional companies to best practices and standards."

He also said that they were happy with the exhibition since more than 130 stalls were run by both local and foreign traders. They want to make Pro Foods an annual event and hope to have 200 stalls next year.

According to a survey 35% to 40% of food goes waste. "If we cut down on waste we can bring down the price of food" added Kohona.

Silvermill Trading (Pvt) Ltd. managing director Ranjith Wijesinhe said that it was a very good attempt to bring everything under one roof. An exhibition’s of this nature is an attempt to uplift the industry.

He also believes that the Sri Lankan society needs a change, since global knowledge is of paramount importance for success.

Ceylon Chocolates Limited business development manager Ivan Dayaratne says that Chambers will have to play a major role in events of this nature and it should be a national event. "Overall it was a well co-ordinated effort."

Alahakoon Group joint managing director Dharmasiri Alahakoon said that the exhibition was very successful. However he said that instant food is a thing not to be eaten at home. He also believes that public should not be restricted with cultural beliefs about consuming foods in the streets.