Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank, Hatton National Bank PLC has once again joined hands with
the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) as the exclusive banking partner for the year
2022-2023. This is a monumental year for NCE as it hosts its 30th Export Awards ceremony under
the theme, “Recognizing, Inspiring and Strengthening” and HNB is delighted to be a part of their
success story.
NCE is a prominent office that offers various services ranging from issuance of specialized
certificates, various trade related documentation, conducting training programmes and workshops,
including representation of Exporters in discussions and meetings held with relevant Government
bodies.
The present economic crisis that has unfolded in Sri Lanka is unprecedented in nature; the depletion
of its foreign currency reserves is one of the most crucial factors that needs resolving. Having
understood the importance of contributing to the growth of the Export industry early on, Hatton
National Bank PLC attempted to create opportunities that would enable the export sector to
confidently venture in to the global space and showcase their vast potential. Being an early adopter
of this change in direction facilitated HNB to broaden its reach countrywide and grow its market
share notably over 2021.
The resilience of export businesses this year alone is outstanding as the export sector continues to
showcase its immense potential and this is evident in the growth we have witnessed thus far with
YTD exports of the country increasing by USD 815m to a resounding USD 6,514m – a 14% YoY
growth!
Sri Lanka has the resources required to move into the global market. Creating a way to showcase
Sri Lankan Export Products and Services, including Service Providers to Exporters, is key in creating
awareness among prospective buyers and consumers, regarding the range of Products and Services
offerings of the Country.
To this end, in addition to the traditional export related initiatives, HNB also offers Sri Lanka’s first
digital overseas export market opportunities for B2B customers. Cord360.com is an online
marketing platform that provides exporters support in key areas such as finance, logistics, packaging
and market access through www.cord360.com. The platform streamlines the process and costs
involved in particularly linking and negotiating trade with foreign buyers, benefitting especially small
and medium enterprises (SMEs), who face greater challenges in such activities. Our digital products
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also include ERP solutions at affordable rates with e-commerce and payment gateway solutions for
B2C businesses.
These partnerships have been created with one goal in mind, to highlight the resource-rich offerings
of Sri Lanka, and promote the country as an Export Hub, driven by Innovative Products and Services
that eventually attracts Foreign Direct Investments related to Export oriented manufacturers and
service providers.
Trade is a highly skilled and specialized area which requires in-depth technical knowledge and skills
to effectively/efficiently deal with global supply chains. HNB’s global connectivity through the 900+
correspondent banking relationships, that include top tier banks in the world, provides us the
dynamic to be a true Partner in Progress in all our customers’ international trade requirements.
Notably, a key ingredient in HNB’s advanced capabilities is its team of highly experienced and
qualified professionals that drive its International Trade Services department. HNB has the largest
pool of Certified Documentary Credit Specialists among banks in Sri Lanka. These highly skilled
individuals combine innovative technology with unmatched technical expertise in order to provide
simple, user-friendly solutions even for complex transactions, risk mitigation and trade finance,
encapsulating the end-to-end process of a trade transaction, leading to greater confidence amongst
customers.
HNB’s Centralized International Trade Services Department is located in at Janadhipathi Mawatha,
Colombo 01, in close proximity to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the Import and Export Control
Department, Sri Lanka Customs, Shipping and Logistics providers and other regulatory and statutory
authorities. This access provides the utmost in convenience to customers seeking to complete
import or export documentation within the shortest possible time-frame.
As a solution provider, HNB aspires to be the preferred bank for the discerning export community
that brings valuable foreign exchange to the country. In alignment with Government and Central
Bank initiatives to facilitate growth in export industries, HNB as a domestic systemically important
bank (D-SIB) has launched many attractive offerings to support businesses that create value, both in
terms of providing financial assistance and non-financial guidance and this key strategic partnership is
one of many initiatives that HNB is planning to offer to deserving export customers to benefit the
country.
Photo Caption: (from left) HNB Trade Specialist, Hasanthi De Silva, NCE Secretary-
General/CEO, Shiham Marikar, HNB Deputy General Manager – Wholesale Banking Group, Damith
Pallewatte and HNB Head of Trade, Rozanne De Almeida at the signing ceremony