The focus on export development and value addition promotion is to be highly emphasised in the Northern development. The liberation of the north and East has opened up high potential for economic development, Minister G.L Peiris said.

A 20 member delegation from the North arrived in Colombo for a meeting with Prof G.L Peiris yesterday at the BMICH.

According to the Minister of Export Development Prof. Peiris now the time has arrived for an agricultural revival of the country which has natural resources and a willing human work force.

There is a close connection between political empowerment and economical development and the citizens of the North and East also should live in comfort before any political changes can be implemented.

As production is stable the doors of new markets will open for further development of the export market. The country should work as one for the progress of the country.

Already the government is making the necessary arrangements to improve fisheries as a value added market. The first segment is to be implemented at Ampara today for tuna export.

The government is also in the process of developing the once active port at Kankesanturai. With the development of the port Northern producers will be highly benefited.

The development of the Economy is essential for the structural development of the North. The Export Development Ministry is focused on accelerating Economical growth, Prof. Peiris said.

The opening of the A9 road to Jaffna and the re-habilitation of the railroad will benefit exporters as the current practice is for the North to send the goods to be value added in the South.

With development and further strengthening of the economy, the value additions can be done in the North itself, which would greatly benefit the citizens, Prof Peiris said.

The government and all its forces will be focusing on the development and fulfilment of the requirements of the Northern citizens.

Among the planned activities of the EDB is the opening of a fruits & vegetables collection centre with linkages with direct exporters.