Lack of skills at state agencies and officer transfers key constraints for exporters: NCE
Sri Lanka’s exporters have identified dearth of skills in respect of officials of ministries and other state organisation and their frequent transfers as two key constraints that adversely affect costs and ease of doing business.
National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) in a media communique said this matter was lengthily discussed by its member exporters and its council.
“In this background, in regard to capacity building that is required to enhance the skills of officials related to the different aspects of international trade, there is a need to provide the required training to enhance the knowledge and skills of officials in ministries and state organisations,” NCE said.
The chamber added that it stands ready to collaborate with relevant state organisations to conduct the required training, through its professional training affiliate, the National Institute of Exports (NIOE).
In order to overcome the second constraint arising out of the frequent transfer of officials who handle important export related subjects in state organisations, NCE suggests the appointment of an official to understudy the work of the regular official prior to transfer and replacement of the main official, to facilitate smooth transfer of the specific functions, and enable provision of the required services by exporters without disruption.
“Exporters have stated that in certain instances issues related to their enterprises and operations which had been receiving the attention of a particular official over a period of time, with the documentation related to the issue building up in the possession of the official, has been disrupted affecting resolution due to the sudden transfer of the official,” the media communique said.
“Such situations have necessitated the new replacement official to become familiar with the issue all over again, with an adverse bearing on the time required for resolution, as well as the cost related to the particular issue,” it added.