101. Powers, duties and functions of the OIT

to make recommendations to the Minister on international trade activities including measures to-

remove or reduce market access barriers and, facilitate the entry of Sri Lankan goods and services into international markets;

ensure equitable treatment in international markets for Sri Lankan goods and services in general and industrial, agricultural and fisheries products in particular; and

increase the exports of Sri Lankan goods and services;

to recommend to the Minister, where necessary, changes to the import and export policies of the

to conduct-

feasibility studies prior to initiating; and

stakeholder consultations throughout the process of, bi-lateral, multi-lateral, regional and international trade negotiations;

to assist Ambassador for International Trade appointed under subsection (1) of section 114, to carry out bilateral, multilateral, regional and international trade negotiations approved by the

to appoint an International Trade Officer to such countries, subject to such terms and conditions, in consultation with the following persons: -

the Secretary to the Ministry of the Minister assigned the subject of Finance;

the Secretary to the Ministry of the Minister assigned the subject of Foreign Affairs;

the Secretary to the Ministry of the Minister assigned the subject of Investment; and

the Secretary to the Ministry of the Minister assigned the subject of Trade:

to promote Sri Lanka’s bi-lateral trade with other countries, expanding the number of countries for conducting bi-lateral trade;

to appoint, employ, remunerate and exercise disciplinary control over and dismiss such officers and other employees as are necessary for the exercise, performance and discharge of the powers, duties and functions of the OIT under this Act;

to purchase and hold any movable or immovable property, and give on lease or hire, mortgage, pledge, sell or otherwise dispose of any of the movable or immovable property purchased or held by the OIT, for the purposes of the OIT;

to enter into and perform all such contracts as it may consider necessary for the exercise, performance and discharge of its powers, duties and functions;

to accept development assistance from multilateral agencies, whether in cash or otherwise, from persons or bodies of persons within or outside Sri Lanka and apply them in the exercise, performance and discharge of its powers, duties and functions under this Act:

to engage in research and publications in relation to international trade;

to collect and maintain statistics on Sri Lanka’s international trade; and

to generally do such other acts or things necessary for the achievement of the objects of the OIT.