WCIC delegation attend BIMSTEC conclave and expo

The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) was invited to be part of the BIMSTEC Business Conclave and Expo which was held from 13 to 15 June in Hyatt Regency in Kolkata India.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organisation that was established in 1997 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration. Initially known as BIST-EC (Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-Thailand Economic Cooperation), the organisation is now known as BIMSTEC and comprises seven Member States with the admission of Myanmar, Bhutan and Nepal. 

The conclave was supported by Ministry of External Affairs and organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to commemorate 25 years of BIMSTEC. Over 500 international and local delegates from all BIMSTEC countries from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand attended the event. Key dignitaries from BIMSTEC countries spoke at the inauguration of the conclave, which included Minister of Industries Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, who represented Sri Lanka. The sessions covered at the conclave were Investment and Trade, Agriculture and food, Infrastructure and connectivity, Healthcare, Tourism, Gem and Jewellery, Women’s forum, Tourism, Tea, Education, Garments, Startup and climate change. 

Vice Chairperson Gayani de Alwis led the WCIC trade delegation. WCIC members Rupika Perera, Lasni Silva and Ruwini Jayarathne took part at the Expo. Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industries Sri Lanka (FCCISL) President Keerthi Gunawardane who was part of the Sri Lankan delegation was also part of the panel on International trade forum. 

WCIC Vice Chairperson Gayani de Alwis was a speaker at the BIMSTEC Connectivity forum on “Enhancing infrastructure, logistics and connectivity in BIMSTEC” and also at the Women’s Forum on “Exploring opportunities among women entrepreneurs”. Speaking at the Women’s Forum de Alwis stressed the importance of capacity building to support skill development of women entrepreneurs and the need for BMISTEC countries to support each other for cross border entrepreneurship and a focused effort should be taken to foster a gender inclusive environment. The representatives from the BIMSTEC countries proposed the formation of a BIMSTEC Women’s Forum for business networking and ICC agreed to form this as part of BIMSTEC forum. 

The WCIC trade delegation that took part at the expo were Ruwini Jayarathne Jewellery, RuDesigner Jewellery and Lactoboost (Spice Carriage Ltd.), all were equivocal of the benefits realised from taking part at the expo through business networking and linkages. The Sri Lankan delegates had the opportunity for press interviews and showcasing their products on the local TV channels too.

Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Sri Lanka is the premier organisation supporting entrepreneurs and professional businesswomen. The membership is open to women who believe they can contribute to society as well as benefit from the many opportunities the organisation creates.