Maldivian purchases of construction related goods and services from Sri Lanka, have increased by about  ten per cent since the Maldives Construction Fair was launched in 2006, South Asia Exhibition Services, Managing Director Arjun Dharmadasa said yesterday.

He, told "The Island" that with the new Maldivian government’s policy of attracting maximum foreign participation in its development programmes,this years MCF, the fourth in its series scheduled to commence in Male on April 20, would be an ideal opportunity for Sri Lankan suppliers and service providers to increase their export volumes, thereby bringing in valuable foreign exchange to their country.

"Maldives has thanked Sri Lanka for all the support it has extended in various fields.This means  our entrepreneurs would be more than welcome in their country.In such an environment the  30 Sri Lankan companies and organizations participating in MCF 2009,are bound to reap the rewards.The Maldives imports almost everything from nails to cement."

Dharmadasa, pointed out that it was not just Sri Lanka which benefits, because most participants usually engage  Maldivian agents to market and promote sales  of their products. "So it’s a win win situation for both our business communities."

 Considerable international aid has flowed into the Maldives for implementation of  its  ambitious projects in a fully privatized environment.This  would  naturally increase its demand for construction related materials and services,he observed.

Organized by the Maldives Exhibition and Conference Services, in association with the Maldives Association of Construction Industry (MACI), this year’s Fair,Dharmadasa  said  will showcase the latest products and services in the market.Over 4000 trade and business visitors are expected to participate,surpassing the 2008 figure of 3127. "They include building and construction industry personnel, agents, distributors, contractors, state and private sector manufacturers,engineers, architects, interior designers and the general public.The Council Pavilion, will be used as the venue for one to one business meetings, in addition to showcasing promotional material and samples of the participants."

He, said that in addition to meetings  with the Maldivian business community, which would be arranged by the Maldives National Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Sri Lanka High Commission in Maldives, arrangements have been made for networking sessions with several ministries and departments including the  Economic Development and Trade Ministry, Foreign Investment Services Bureau  and also MACI.