Diaspora to partner 2,000 exporters program

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board at the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised a Canada-Sri Lanka Business Forum followed by a B2B meeting program at the EDB auditorium at Nawam Mawatha, Colombo 2.

The Canadian delegation comprising 21 high-profile businessmen and around 80 Sri Lankan businessmen participated at this business program. The Canadian delegation was headed by Yasmin Abdulla Karim Ratansi, Chandrakanth Arya and Irene Mathysen, members of the Canadian Parliament.

The main objectives of this forum were to familiarise the Canadian delegation of the business opportunities available in Sri Lanka, enable to establish business ties with Sri Lankan counterparts, and make aware of the Canadian delegation of the investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka.

Speaking on this occasion, EDB Sri Lanka Chairperson and CE Indira Malwatte stressed the importance to build up trade ties with Canada and also highlighted the abundant opportunities that are available to the Canadian businessmen to develop trade with Sri Lanka.

Further she stated that EDB is launching a program to develop 2,000 new entrepreneurs by 2020 to enter the export market which will result in many trickle down benefits to the economy. This program is aimed at training and harnessing potential entrepreneurs in the regions of Sri Lanka

Malwatte requested the Canadian delegation to partner with EDB to develop new entrepreneurs by extending their support to access the Canadian market.

Addressing the Business Forum, Yasmin Abdulla Karim Ratansi stated that this will be an initiative to extend the fullest collaboration of Canadian diaspora to develop trade between Sri Lanka and Canada while looking at investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.

Canadian business delegates, most of whom visited Si Lanka after a lapse of many years highlighted the conducive business environment prevailing in Sri Lanka to engage in export businesses between Sri Lanka and Canada. The Canadian delegation had fruitful discussions with Sri Lankan companies in the sectors of processed food, metal processing, electronics and electrical components, gems and jewellery, real estate and construction at the B2B meeting program.

In the effort of developing trade with Canada, EDB has commenced a program on Canadian market access and capacity building with the assistance of Trade Facilitation Office in Canada for Sri Lankan export community. EDB is organising Sri Lankan participation at SIAL Canada International trade fair in May for exploring market opportunities in Canada for Sri Lanka’s exports.