Lanka seeks to boost ties with Oman

MUSCAT: With the country’s highly favourable socio-economic scenario and thriving trade and commerce vistas, Sri Lanka is all set to explore the possibilities of working very closely with the Sultanate of Oman in various terms.

One of the first in the series of exploring opportunities will be the ‘Sri Lanka Trade Fair and Food Festival’ to be held in Muscat on 9, 10 and 11 October where a miniature face of the island country will be replicated.  “This is the first of its kind in the bilateral relations of the two nations and it’s a milestone in the long way ahead,” Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Sultanate Asoka K. Girihagama said. As many as 40 exporters and entrepreneurs are expected to take part in the expo that will showcase a plethora of products and services from the land that hosts some of the precious diamond collections and finest tea as well as is a home for some breath-taking landscapes.

“We have identified Oman as one of the potential markets that Sri Lankan exporters and entrepreneurs could enter easily with confidence due to its low competitiveness and rich market conditions.

“In line with that, we have invited the corporate bodies, business entities and companies in Sri Lanka to take part in the forthcoming exhibition,” Girihagama added.

The bilateral relations between the two friendly nations that traces 25 years down the lane with the opening of the first Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in Muscat way back in December 1987 has welcomed various trade and friendly missions both ways with the last one being the visit of the Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Dilan Perera inviting companies to recruit more skilled Sri Lankan workers to Oman.