Jatinder Biala re-elected FTZMA chairman

New office bearers elected in 40th Annual General Meeting

Jatinder Biala , General Manager / Director of Isin Lanka (Pvt) Ltd was elected as the president of the Free Trade Zone Manufactures’ Association (FTZMA) at the 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Vivanta Colombo Air Port Garden in Seeduwa, on September 16.

The AGM also elected new office bearers for the period 2020/2021 and shared the presentation of its annual report and the audited accounts for the preceding year of the FTZMA were also shared with their members. The auditors for the ensuing year were also elected during the AGM.

The FTZMA was founded in 1981, three years after the first ever largest Free Trade Zone was commissioned in Katunayake. The organization is the main trade chamber of foreign direct investors that pioneered activities of the main Industrial Zone in Katunayake, plays a pivotal role in the national economy and is shaping it up while providing direct and in-direct employment plus means of living for hundreds of thousands people in the vicinity.

Over the years, FTZMA has been instrumental in resolving various challenges and issues with the relevant authorities in professional and expeditious manner. As such the reputation of the association has grown and it has become an entity which duly cares about the interest of entrepreneurs and investors. Since its inception, FTZMA has grown with its member enrollment is now representing over 75% of enterprises located in Katunayake Export Processing Zone. Further, association has developed sound relationship with Business Chambers both inside and outside Sri Lanka and also gets involved in establishing and making policy representations to relevant government authorities.

There have been several other free trade zones set up in the country while using Katunayake as a model and FTZMA is looking forward to spread its membership in those Free Trade Zones too. FTZMA is the sole trade chamber that represents over 280 enterprises in all 13 BOI zones and three more zones in Mirrijjawila (Pharma), Bingiriya and Eravur, addressing common issues in liaising with BOI and other state agencies. Moreover, FTZMA is also one of the main employer bodies representing the NLAC- National Labour Advisory Council since its inception

There are over 60 member enterprises under the wings of FTZMA which is having close links with the BOI, Ministry and all statutory bodies, building relationships and raising matters related to its members. The matters related to environment, labour, infrastructure, legal, customs, immigration, Ports & Air Ports and Logistics etc. are discussed and taken care of. The Association renders its services to the members and all BOI investors housed in and out of the zones island-wide towards developing their business operations and creating opportunities to foster and safeguard their interest at all times.

FTZMA is a founding organization of the apex body – Joint Apparel Associations Forum (JAAF) which is the umbrella body for apparel trade of the country and it aims to be the “One Stop Service Provider” for all the member enterprises and all BOI investors housed in all the zones and outsides island whilst representing them in all the forums. The Secretariat of FTZMA is run by Secretary General Vasantha Dias, established at unit18, Plaza Complex, Free Trade Zone, Katunayake.