Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Konya Chamber of Commerce sign MoU to strengthen bilateral relations

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Konya Chamber of Commerce recently entered into a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) in order to further strengthen bilateral relations to promote trade, investment and tourism between Sri Lanka and Turkey. The signing was carried out on the request and introduction made by Ambassador for Sri Lanka in Turkey Rizvi Hassen. The occasion took place on 2 February and was virtually witnessed by Ambassador Hassen and Ambassador of Turkey in Sri Lanka Demet Şekercioğlu.

The respective signatories were Konya Chamber of Commerce President Selçuk Öztürk and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce CEO/ Secretary General Manjula de Silva. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce commenced its interaction with the Konya Chamber of Commerce through a virtual meeting held with the President of the Konya Chamber of Commerce Turkey on 28 July 2020, facilitated by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Turkey and a subsequent virtual B2B meeting with Konya Chamber of Commerce Turkey on 13 October 2020.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, De Silva invited the Konya Chamber of Commerce to actively participate at the forthcoming ‘Sri Lanka Investment Forum 2021 – Virtual’ from 6-8 April.

The Konya Chamber of Commerce founded in 1882, is one of the leading Chambers of Commerce in Turkey. Konya, which is one of the oldest settlements of the history of humanity having served as the Capital of the Anatolian Seljuk, was once known as the most trading and accommodation centre of the historical Silk Road. Konya is geographically the largest city and sixth largest city in Turkey in terms of population. It is famously known for its agriculture as well as the wealth of archaeology. However, recent developments show that Konya’s image is changing from that of an agricultural region to an industrialised one. This is driven by new investments as well as the impetus coming from the traditional agriculture. 

Among the developed sectors in Konya, automotive sub-industry and machinery industry lead the way. Agricultural tools and industries such as machinery manufacturing, casting, plastic paint and chemical, construction materials, paper and packing, food and shoes are the other advanced sectors.

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has signed 138 MOUs with various leading Trade Chambers and Trade Promotion Organisations overseas to promote trade, investment and tourism between the two respective countries.