Saudi businesses keen to join Sri Lanka Expo

Arab News: RIYADH: Saudi businessmen have evinced immense interest in attending the upcoming the Sri Lanka Expo 2012 scheduled from 28 to 30 March in Colombo, Sri Lankan Embassy’s Commercial Counselor Anil Sirimanna said.

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has organised the three-day event being held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).

Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen described the expo as a significant event that had drawn interest from all parts of the world.

“Sri Lanka is a tiny country in the Indian ocean, which can offer the world a variety of its products which could find easy market in any part of the globe,” the Minister said.

He said the expo would be a catalyst event to bring in international trading and investment partners to Sri Lanka.

“Saudi companies, who wish to engage a new or replenish existing ties with the Island’s commerce and economic agents are strongly encouraged to take this opportunity of visiting Sri Lanka during the mega trade and investment forum,” he said.

The commercial counsellor added he was surprised at the ready response shown by the local business community toward the show.

Those interested include entrepreneurs dealing in rubber products, spices, electronic goods, coconuts, cocoa and coconut products, garments, gem and jewellery and tea.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will open the show, which will be held under the direct supervision of Minister Bathiudeen.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister D.M. Jayarathne and Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa will make keynote speeches on the second and third day of the symposium respectively.

Businessmen in the Kingdom are given concessional air tickets to and from Colombo coupled with three nights free accommodation in a starred hotel in the city, the diplomat said, adding that arrangements have also been made at the airport to transport the incoming trade visitors to and from the hotel.

A good number foreign journalists are also expected to cover this event according to Sirimanna.

“We want our businessmen in the Kingdom to visit our country and harness its trade potentials,” Sirimanna said. The show provides an ideal opportunity for Sri Lankan exporters to showcase their quality export products and services, both traditional and non-traditional, at a single platform with over 370 stalls to an international audience. Over 1,000 buyers from strategic markets are expected to attend the event,” he said.

Sirimanna said the exhibition would showcase the island’s export products and services. “It has attracted, trade and business associations, public and private sector representatives and other international buyers from all parts of the globe,” he added.

China’s 150 and India’s 120 businessmen will be among the largest delegations. Other foreign delegations include United States (35 members), the UAE (50), the UK (45), Belgium (25), Singapore (35), Thailand (40), Malaysia (40), Korea (30), Pakistan (20), France (10), Russia (10) and Germany (10).

Among the large buyers who have already confirmed their participation are Walmart Global Sourcing, ASDA, Arcadia, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Bhs, M&S, Calzedonia, Lulu and Carrefour.

Ministerial delegations from Bangladesh, China, India, Korea, Maldives, Pakistan and the UAE are also heading for the show.

A trade and investment symposium will be held with the participation of Jean-Marie Paugam, deputy executive director ITC, Geneva; Sandro Venonesi, chairman Calzedonia, Italy; Mark Harris, general manager London Stock Exchange group, etc.

The 10th meeting of the joint council of the US-Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) will be held on 27 March and the US embassy will also make a presentation on its GDP program and Food and Drug Administration.