Brazil keen to boost trade and economic relations with Sri Lanka

Thursday, 7 December 2023 02:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Brazil Sumith Dassanayake undertook an official visit to Sao Paulo, the trade and economic hub of Brazil, from 27 to 30 November.

During the visit, the Ambassador Dassanayake held meetings with São Paulo State Government International Affairs Secretary Lucas Ferraz, São Paulo State Government Executive Secretary Marco Rocha, São Paulo Chamber of Commerce Council of Consulates and International Chamber of Commerce Coordinator Ricardo Cateb Cury, São Paulo Chamber of Commerce Special Adviser for Foreign Affairs Maurício Manfre, São Paulo Supermarket Association CEO Carlos Correa, Brazilian Tourism Agencies Association Market Strategy Officer Marianna Alcorta, Brazilian Supermarket Association Vice President Sales and Marketing Celso Furtado, and Brazilian Supermarket Association Director Commercial Alexandre Magno.

During the meetings, the Brazilian officials assured their willingness to further expand relations with Sri Lanka in diverse fields vis-à-vis trade, investment, tourism and also in the service sector, etc. Further, availability of opportunities for Brazilian investors in the Colombo Port City, Southern Hambantota Port area, and tea plantations, etc., were highlighted during the discussions. Ambassador Dassanayake also discussed the possibility of Sri Lankan construction companies entering into the construction sector in the São Paulo State.

The Brazilian officials also underscored the importance of Sri Lankan companies’ participation at trade fairs organised in Sao Paulo i.e. APAS Show, ABRAS Food Retail Future and ABAV EXPO 2024, to expand networks with Brazilian counterparts.

Under the facilitation of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brazil, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Sao Paulo Chamber of Commerce and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was signed on 14 September 2021.

First Secretary of the Embassy W.C.K. Perera and Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka to Sao Paulo, Eduardo P. de Oliveira coordinated the visit.