Sri Lanka showcased to over 500 biz in LA

The Los Angeles investment and biz community received a rare sprinkle of free Pure Ceylon Tea and cinnamon on 4 May. The free Sri Lankan gifts were part of promotional efforts at the Annual World Trade Week in LA held on 4 May.

“This was one of the largest events and the most extensive and unique program of its kind in the USA,” revealed Consul/Minister (Commercial) of the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles Sidath Kumar who represented Sri Lanka at the 86th Trade Week organised by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel.

 “The objective of the World Trade Week was to educate the public on positive aspects of international trade on the local and national economy through trade, investment, tourism and educational programs and events. We managed to showcase Sri Lankan products to more than 5000 US and international businesses,” Kumar added.

The LA Area Chamber of Commerce also organised a kick-off breakfast for the participants. About 500 prominent business executives, US government and civic leaders and members of the diplomatic corps participated at this significant event which reportedly received extensive media coverage. Further, this event prominently featured in electronic promotions to a network of more than 5,000 local and international trade related businesses and also to the Chamber’s membership, consisting of 1,600 companies and 8,000 business contacts in the Los Angeles area.

Kumar revealed that the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in LA took an initiative to promote Sri Lanka’s export products, tourism and investment at this World Trade Week event. DVDs on Sri Lanka tourism, trade directory, doing business in Sri Lanka and investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, and promotional brochures on Sri Lankan export items, tourism, tour packages and investment were displayed and distributed among the prospective businessmen/investors. Samples of Pure Ceylon Tea and cinnamon were also distributed.  “More importantly the interested parties were briefed on business, investment and joint venture opportunities in Sri Lanka, and projected Sri Lanka as an attractive tourist destination after establishing peace since May 2009,” he said. Many trade, investment and tourism promotional organisations, US service organisations, airlines and consulates of some other counties too promoted their products and services at this event.