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HSBC Sri Lanka and the Maldives Wholesale Banking Head Stuart Rogers (right) presents a replica of the sponsorship agreement to Colombo University MBA Alumni Association President Irshan Jayah (centre) whilst MBAA Project Co-Chair Chathura Siyambalapitiya is also present - Pic by Lasantha Kumara
Global banking giant HSBC has come forward as the strategic partner for the all-important forum titled “ASEAN: Sri Lanka’s Next Big Opportunity”, organised by the Daily FT and the Colombo University MBA Alumni Association and scheduled for 11 June 2018 at the Shangri La, Hotel Colombo.
With Sri Lanka pursuing an aggressive strategy to expand economic cooperation with a host of Southeast Asian nations, in a bid to diversify and enhance exports as well as woo more foreign direct investments, the focus on ASEAN as a new opportunity is timely.
The recently signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Singapore is seen as a gateway to serve the 630 million people-strong region with a GDP of $ 2.25 trillion. Sri Lanka is also negotiating or planning FTAs with several other ASEAN nations, including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Korea.
HSBC, which has been an integral part of the Sri Lankan economy, is backing this initiative, given the strong belief that more FDIs and exports are key to higher socio-economic growth. The spotlight on ASEAN on 11 June will be two-pronged, with an invitee-only CEOs Breakfast Forum, and a Public Forum featuring a host of global, regional and local experts. HSBC is bringing down four top specialists to share greater insights into ASEAN for the benefit of Sri Lankan companies and entrepreneurs. For registration, contact 0117515151 or 0772075253.