COYLE Executive Committee meets Dr. Kohona to discuss business opportunities in USA
Tuesday, 6 August 2013 00:00
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A meeting was held between the Executive Committee of the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) and the Sri Lankan Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Dr. Palitha Kohona, who addressed the committee on the opening up of business opportunities both within the country and overseas. This forum, which was organised by COYLE in lieu of the forthcoming CHOGM to be held in Sri Lanka in November, was attended by the COYLE Executive Committee comprising of leading businessmen in the country.
During the session, Dr. Kohona made a comprehensive presentation on the investment and export potential that would be generated as an outcome of CHOGM. The discussion was aimed at integrating the commitments of both the Government and business community towards national development and mutual economic benefit.
He highlighted core areas that should be directly targeted for this purpose such as tourism, food and hospitality services, agribusiness and IT industries. He emphasised the importance of Sri Lankan businessmen marketing themselves to the world, especially in New York, the world’s leading business centre with its almost unlimited business possibilities.
Dr. Kohona also spoke of the Government’s ongoing programs to promote computer literacy within the country and the availability of State assistance, which are factors that can be utilised towards the opening up of business opportunities.
In his address, Dr. Kohona stated: “The Commonwealth Heads of Government Ministers Forum is a unique opportunity for business leaders and governments to unlock the potential within the Commonwealth, one of the strongest and most enduring networks in the world. Strong bilateral relationships underpin our economies, with colossal amounts of trade happening every year within the Commonwealth. I believe it will provide an ideal opportunity to strengthen economic partnerships for members of our business community.” A Q&A session was held immediately following Dr. Kohona’s presentation. It must be noted that all forum participants were given the opportunity to air their concerns and obtain insights pertaining to the economic policies of the Government.
“Dr. Kohona’s address to our chamber has further inspired us to play a vital role in opening trade and investment doors across international borders, especially in the West. We are confident that the members who attended the forum benefitted tremendously from hearing from such a distinguished personality. We look forward to making maximum use of the unprecedented networking opportunities being opened up to all COYLE members,” said COYLE Chairman Wasantha De Silva.
He added: “We also appreciate the support of each of our industry partners and look forward to making the outcome of this meeting a resounding success for them as well as our membership base. In view of this goal, a delegation from the COYLE plans to visit New York to establish relationships with the business community of the city, prior to President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s visit for the UNGA in September. We believe this would be an important preliminary step towards exploring the conducive business environment in New York, under the auspices of Dr. Kohona.” The Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) in 1999 commenced its journey towards regenerating the corporate sector by presenting itself as the milieu that bridges the gap between fundamental business segments in Sri Lanka. Instigated by 17 promising entrepreneurs, COYLE created and enhanced a pro-business environment, which is currently steered by 116 significant members of the Sri Lankan corporate community in investment, finance and industrial relations.
