I do not view the Northern International Trade Fair merely as a trade fair. It serves as a platform showcasing the entrepreneurial capacity of the Northern Province, a bridge connecting our products to the market, and a gateway inviting investors to the Northern Province, said Hon. Governor N. Vethanayahan.
The Northern International Trade Fair – 2026 was held today – on Friday, 28 August 2026, at the Thiruvalluvar Cultural Hall in Jaffna, chaired by S. Naguleswaran, President of the Northern Chamber of Industries. Hon. Governor of the Northern Province N. Vethanayahan attended as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor noted that Northern Province entrepreneurs already possess skill, diligence, innovative thinking, and the capacity to produce quality goods. However, he pointed out that the greatest challenge before them remains marketing.
Noting with pride that enterprises which began on a small scale after the war have today grown into thousands of ventures and beyond, the Governor stressed that this growth should not be merely numerical, small entrepreneurs must rise to medium scale, and medium entrepreneurs must reach a position where they can compete in larger markets.
Observing that some entrepreneurs in the Northern Province are already exporting their products abroad, the Governor said this is commendable, noting that quality production, distinctive packaging, and operations that understand market demand have opened international opportunities for them. He added that while no one can single-handedly reach export markets, opportunities are emerging to approach markets collectively through organizations such as the Northern Province Exporters’ Association.
The Governor stated that his expectation is for products originating from the Northern Province not to head solely toward the Colombo Port, but for Jaffna itself to eventually reach out directly to global markets in the future. He noted that efforts are continuing to resolve issues relating to investment and industrial growth, including access to finance, land, and administrative obstacles.
Addressing entrepreneurs of the Vanni region in particular, the Governor called on them to be ready to seize available opportunities rather than simply waiting for them. He said steps are being taken to establish industrial estates in various districts of the Northern Province, and that priority is being given to the redevelopment of the existing industrial estate in Atchuveli.
The Governor stated that the Northern Province’s contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product currently stands at around 4.5 percent, and that the province is progressing with the aim of raising this to 10 percent in the future. He stressed that this target cannot be achieved by the government or state officials alone, and that the joint contribution of expatriate investors, entrepreneurs, and the private sector, among all others, is essential.
The Governor stated that, under the new confidence of “Let us produce in the North – and deliver to the world,” everyone must work together so that entrepreneurs’ dreams may grow, products may reach global markets, and the Northern Province may rise as an economically stronger province.
The event was attended by Consul General Sai Murali of the Indian Consulate in Jaffna, along with entrepreneurs and representatives of state and private sector institutions.
