High Commissioner Rohitha Bogollagama seeks from Marks and Spencer-UK to expand the Supply Chain from Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka High Commissioner in the United Kingdom His Excellency Rohitha Bogollagama called on Mr. Archie Norman, Chairman of Marks & Spencer (M&S) on 27th November 2024, London. High Commissioner Bogollagama was accompanied by the High Commission officials. While briefing on the recent positive changes in Sri Lanka etc, High Commissioner Bogollagama stressed the importance of Sri Lanka being considered from multiple sources of exports to the UK and M&S, covering apparel and the food industry. Today, M&S grown to be a multifaceted retailer in the UK with a gigantic platform for sourcing of goods across the world, not only for clothing, fashion products, but also for food items.
High Commissioner Bogollagama invited M&S on Sri Lanka supply chain to source of food as a new area from Sri Lanka, including fresh fruits, processed food, coconut products and Ceylon Tea etc, being introduced through falling new investment. With regard to the fresh fruits, it was mentioned the interest of M&S to develop trade links with Sri Lankan high quality Mango, Pineapple, Avocado, Durians, Soursop etc, and to connect with M&S supply chain to be as sustainable as well as with year around supply.
Having referred to the longstanding export trade relation of Sri Lanka with M&S and the collaborations on clothing and its value chain in South Asia etc, High Commissioner Bogollagama brought Sri Lanka’s concerns over apparel exports to the UK, including the stringent rules of origin on apparel under the UK’s preferential trade concessions to Sri Lanka, and also Sri Lanka’s requests already made on possible flexibilities sought from the UK authorities. In response, the Chairman M&S wanted to assist the due process by the UK for the reconsideration of Sri Lanka’s request etc.
M&S Chairman also further mentioned that their plans to consolidate M&S operations in Asia and in Sri Lanka as they are to take this opportunity as a welcome to look at a stable destination in South Asia and East Asia in making a consolidation-hub in their global value chain.
Sri Lanka High Commission
London
28.11.2024