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FM seeks assistance of diplomatic missions to help boost tea exports
18.11.2008

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama seeking to assist the tea industry, has request diplomatic missions of countries that import Sri Lanka's tea to explore the possibility of expanding the current volume of trade.

The request was made in view of concerns expressed recently by private tea companies.

The minister underscored the importance of the tea industry to the Sri Lankan economy, noting that this billion dollar industry accounts for more than 2/3 of the country's agricultural export earnings, contributing 4% to the GDP.

The Ambassadors of Egypt, Iran, Palestine, Russia and Saudi Arabia, as well as the Charges d'affaires of Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar were present at the meeting.