Top biz from fourth export destination mob Lanka’s B2B
Monday, 21 October 2013 00:02
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50 Belgium firms flock to B2B event with Lanka
‘Visit our Reflections at CHOGM for more!’: Rishad
Bilateral trade rises to $ 826 m
Belgium, the fourth largest global destination for Sri Lankan exports, is equally bullish on biz-partnerships with the country.
“I thank you for making this event a real success. Your investment interest on Sri Lanka’s new growth is now very clear and I invite you to November’s ‘Reflection of Sri Lanka’ event in Colombo for a first-hand look on what we offer to the world,” said an upbeat Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen on the morning of 7 October in Brussels.
Jointly organised by the Brussels Enterprises Commerce and Industry (BECI), Brussels Invest and Export, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels and Voka Halle-Vilvoorde, the event was attended by Lankan private sector reps from such firms as Lalan Group of Companies, Chas P. Hayley & Company Ltd., Galuku Hydroponic Ltd., Warna Exports, Lanktrad International, NH Fisheries Ltd. etc.
The investment sectors in focus in Brussels were coir, apparel, handmade paper, rubber, consumer products, fisheries, ICT, wooden toys and children’s furniture. No less than 50 Belgian firms were busy exploring joint ventures and other partnerships with Sri Lankan representatives during the 7 October event.
“Belgium has become the fourth largest destination of Sri Lanka’s exports to the world last year, while Belgium is the 11th largest supplier to Sri Lanka. The total trade turnover in 2012 stood at $ 826 million, a 65% increase from the $ 501 million in 2005,” said Minister Bathiudeen addressing the Belgium biz. This is the third official visit to Belgium by Minister Bathiudeen.
“Both countries have the make and outlook of a trade hub. Such synergetic trade relations could be further strengthened by Belgium business visiting Sri Lanka in November this year during the Commonwealth Heads of Meeting (CHOGM).
“Parallel to the CHOGM, we are also organising a trade, tourism and investment exposition to showcase our capabilities to visiting global representatives and top level business visitors. The exhibition will also provide you the special opportunity of exhibiting your machinery and technology free of charge. I invite you to November’s ‘Reflection of Sri Lanka’ event in Colombo for a first- hand look on what we offer to the world,” Minister Bathiudeen added.
“We warmly welcome the Lankan delegation to Brussels,” said Brussels Invest & Export Managing Director Jacques Ervard.
“I am confident in the success of this program considering the continuous engagements of Sri Lanka with Belgian business community,” Ervard added.
“Sri Lanka is going to be Asia’s business hub in areas of naval, aviation, knowledge and energy sectors and ever since the end of the war there are ample opportunities for expansion of trade. The rapid developments in the infrastructure have further facilitated Belgium engagements with Sri Lanka,” said Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Belgium P.M. Amza, addressing the Belgium biz.
Department of Commerce Acting Director General R.D.S. Kumararatne explained that Sri Lanka is becoming the business hub in Asia. Similarly, Belgium being the business hub in Europe will provide greater scope to work together in expanding trade in goods and services. While presenting the upcoming trade exposition in parallel to CHOGM in Sri Lanka, he explained in details of the facilities extended for visitors, buyers and exhibitors of machinery at the exhibition.
