Sri Lanka-Poland Business Council mulls greater bilateral ties
Monday, 8 July 2013 00:00
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By Rashika Fazali
The total exports from Sri Lanka to Poland has increased from $ 37.9 million in 2011 to $ 39.4 million in 2012 stated re-elected Sri Lanka-Poland Business Council President Kumara Semage at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on Monday (1 July).
He added: “The high volume of exports has contributed to the balance of trade in favour of Sri Lanka. Total imports from Poland to Sri Lanka too have shown an increase from $ 10.5 million to $11.3 million during 2012. Tourists arrivals have decreased slightly during 2012 from 5817 in 2011 to 5806 in 2012.”
He stated that tea is our strongest export along with other export products such as spices, rubber, rubber products and ceramics. Sri Lanka imports iron, steel, machinery and electrical appliances to Poland.
On the agenda for the 2013, the a business delegation will be visiting Poland in September to discuss further expansion of business between the two countries.
Semage also said: “Considering the emerging opportunities and to make use of the favourable conditions to facilitate expansion of trade, investment and tourism not only between our two countries, but also other countries in the region, it was decided to extend our visit to Belarus to explore further business opportunities.”
Semage stated that they hope to improve their exports of ceramics, spices and tea further.
Poland’s Consul General and former Sri Lanka-Poland Business Council President Ken Balendra speaking at the AGM stated that there are only 25% of corporates who are members of the council. Since he believes that Poland’s potential is great, he requested more corporates to join the business council as members. He said: “If we can get 25 corporates as members, then we can take a great team there because the potential is growing and is already substantial.”
He also stated that Poland has a lot of interest in Sri Lanka. “There are 25 Polish nationals living in Sri Lanka,” stated Balendra. He also noted that tourist arrivals from Poland have been at the highest in 2010 with 6613 tourists, higher than the amount noted for last year.
Commenting on Poland, he said: “It is well worth visiting and well worth doing business.”
Balendra stated that the council focuses on creating awareness on growing business potential between Poland and Sri Lanka and strengthening the financial position of the council through various revenue generating initiatives.
Chemanex Limited Exports Group Marketing Manager Nazvi Hassan and Hameed Brothers Managing Director Tufail Salie were re-elected as Vice Presidents, while Eswaran Brothers Exports Managing Director S. Deivanayagam was elected as a Vice President. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Senior Assistant Secretary General Lilakshini De Mel was re-elected as Secretary.
