Sri Lanka-Japan auto exporters explore foreign used car markets

Sri Lanka Automobile Exporters Association of Japan has stepped in to assist Sri Lanka to explore the used vehicle export market especially in Africa, the Caribbean and some Asian countries.

Former President of the Association, Jagath Ramanayake said that he would like to collaborate with Sri Lankan motor traders, to penetrate those markets as such countries are ready to purchase vehicles used less than 10 years.

This will help Sri Lanka to control the rapidly increasing traffic congestion and prevent the environment pollution, he disclosed

Sri Lanka imports more than 25,000 used cars per annum mainly from Japan and other countries, he said adding that the country should devise a system to get rid of old cars after re-conditioning it.

This will also create employment opportunities for youth while bringing the much needed foreign exchange into the island nation, he said.

If this venture becomes a reality then other auxiliary sectors including welding, mechanical painting and other relevant fields will also develop as Sri Lanka could recondition a vehicle at a reasonable cost, he claimed.

At present there is a massive demand for used vehicles in Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda and several other African countries along with Bangladesh in Asia. Therefore, this is a great opportunity for Sri Lanka, Mr. Ramanayake said.

The ultimate goal of the association is to develop a trade link, by launching an appropriate programme to establish a relationship with Sri Lankan motor dealers with the aim of exploring used car markets in other potential countries he revealed.