Sri Lanka's premier international trade fair "Sri Lanka Expo 2012", organized by the Export Development Board (EDB) opened yesterday at the BMICH in Colombo. It will be held until March 31.

The first-ever international fair held in 15 years to promote Sri Lanka's exports has drawn 1,350 visitors from 55 countries straining the hotel accommodation resources.

The Expo 2012 has attracted several country delegations and individual visitors in addition to few ministerial delegations and around 100 foreign journalists.

Delegations from China, Malaysia, Indonesia and UK numbering over 400 in total were expected to arrive in the Sri Lankan capital.

Sri Lanka Expo 2012 has provided 300 plus Sri Lankan exporters to showcase their merchandise to an international audience and earn global recognition.

Over 300 stalls covering the entire range of traditional and non-traditional products and services are to be featured in the Expo, which is a combination of exhibition, symposiums, keynote addresses and corporate events.

As a part of the Expo 2012, a symposium on the theme 'Sri Lanka - the Hub of Asia' will be held at the National Performing Arts Theater in Colombo on March 29th.