Kiwi companies to explore business opportunities in Sri Lanka

Thursday, 29 March 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: Ashwin Parab, Varsha Bhosle, Sreedhar Venkatram, Ralph Hays, Daljit Singh Kohli and Irfan Jaffer from the New Zealand Trade & Enterprise office for Sri Lanka and South India

The New Zealand business delegation, representing 13 innovative companies, will arrive in Colombo on 2 April for a 3-day visit to continue forging business and trade links with Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is an increasingly important partner for New Zealand in South Asia, evidenced by the recent visits from New Zealand businesses and the New Zealand High Commission scheduled to open in Colombo next year.

“With one of the highest per capita incomes in South Asia and a growing urban population, Sri Lanka’s demand for quality manufactured goods and access to healthcare and technology services is rising. New Zealand companies are well positioned to meet this demand due to our strong trade links throughout South Asia and our focus on delivering premium but cost-effective solutions,” said Ralph Hays, who leads New Zealand Trade & Enterprise’s (NZTE) activity in Sri Lanka and South India.

The companies in the delegation are ADInstruments, DGL International Powder Coatings, Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, FRAMEDCAD Holdings, Medtech, New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy, Powershield, Redesign, Reese Group, Sealegs, Staah Limited, Tait Communications and Vista / Book My Show.

“I’m pleased to be leading such an innovative and diverse group of business leaders and it’s encouraging to see more New Zealand companies exploring the opportunities Sri Lanka has to offer. We see potential to combine the skills and resources of both countries to take value-added goods and services to the world,” said Hays.

The program includes a traditional cultural welcome from Kandyan and Mãori culture groups; an infrastructure seminar involving FRAMECAD, Redesign and DGL International Powder Coatings, which will also explore emerging trends in the construction sector; as well as business meetings and site visits. To register for the infrastructure seminar please email [email protected]

New Zealand and Sri Lanka’s two-way trade is NZ$ 367 million (Rs. 41.3 billion), with tea (NZ$ 21 million), rubber tyres and other rubber products (NZ$ 5.5 million) and food preparations (NZ$ 1.8 million) leading Sri Lanka’s exports to New Zealand. While New Zealand’s top exports to Sri Lanka are milk powder (NZ$ 279 million), butter (NZ$ 3.6 million) and fruit (NZ$ 3.1 million).