Sri Lanka Business Council holds first ever networking forum in Dubai to boost bilateral ties

Monday, 17 February 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The SLBC in Dubai held its first high level networking business forum on 8 February 2014 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Deira, Dubai. The SLBC, comprising of a select group of individuals were established in September 1991 and it operates under the auspices of the Dubai Chamber. The group has been mobilised to promote Sri Lanka to the UAE business community thorough a series of high profile forums, aimed at attracting business leaders and entrepreneurs from all sectors to engage in business in Sri Lanka and vice versa. A large number of leaders and officials from other business councils attended this event too.

Among those who graced this event were Dubai Chamber Chairman Abdul Rahman S. Al Ghurair, Consular General of Sri Lanka for Dubai and Northern Emirates M.M. Abdul Raheem, Sanath Jayasuriya MP, Aramex CEO Hussein Hachem, Emirates NBD Chief Investment Officer Arjuna Mahendran and Political Counselor of Guinea Embassy in the UAE Mohamed Korouma. The official proceedings for the evening began with the singing of the UAE and Sri Lanka national anthems respectively and the welcome address from the Chairman of Sri Lanka Business Council in Dubai, Farook Kassim. This was followed by some very interesting speeches, one speech worth mentioning was the one made by Hussein Hachem, CEO Aramex who recalled of his time in Sri Lanka during his stay as Head of Aramex. He spoke about the importance of promoting Sri Lanka to the world not only through its tea and cricket; instead he particularly highlighted the fact that Sri Lanka had a lot more to offer the world. Like the warmth of its people and their welcoming hospitality, the distinct variety of its food, its rich ancient and modern colonial history. Abdul Rahman S. Al Ghurair spoke about the opportunities for investment and business with Dubai winning the expo 2020. Farook Kassim, Chairman of the SLBC also hopes that SLBC will grow, in terms of getting new members, active members who can continue what SLBC have started. He humbly requested those who are not yet members to please join the council. “We need your support to grow, as I always believe if there is no growth, we will not progress and need the younger generation to take over and continue the progress. My Board of Directors have done a great job to make this event a memorable night to cherish. For this I applaud them and have utmost confidence in them to organize such events in future as well.” Kassim said. A special lifetime achievement award was bestowed upon Chackradaran a distinguished lawyer for his yeoman service to the Sri Lankan community in general and legal fraternity in particular in Dubai. The expected number of people for the event was to be around 100, however over 200 guests ultimately attended the event. The evening ended with a buffet dinner. Many prizes were given away in the event sponsored by Emirates Skywards, Sri Lankan Airlines, Mihin Lanka, al Bogari Holdings and New Computer Trading. The main event sponsor was Aramex with many support sponsors including Crowe Horwath, GVR Lanka, Expolanka Freight, Homes R Us, Continental Insurance and many more. SLBC would also like to extend their sincere appreciation to all the sponsors, guests and to the organisers who have helped them in making this event a success.