Special appreciation for SL Ambassador to Saudi Arabia

The Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC) held its 24th Annual General Meeting and the Best Traders Association Competition on 1 October at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Convention Center. 

A key feature at this event was a special session to felicitate Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Azmi Thassim in appreciation of his highly significant contribution to HDCC and the entire Hambantota District.

Thassim is a senior business leader with over 30 years’ experience of operating at the highest levels in the public and private sectors, in close collaboration with regional development agencies, government authorities, the international donor community and the private and voluntary sectors. .

He was the Founder President of HDCC which was the first regional Chamber of Commerce to be established in Sri Lanka. This visionary move led to a revolution for the business community in disadvantaged regions across the country who were thus inspired to establish their own institutions. There are now 35 regional Chambers of Commerce in 24 districts providing vital support to thousands of SMEs including women and youth entrepreneurs. Thassim continues to provide guidance and encouragement to HDCC and all other regional Chambers of Commerce. 

Thassim is currently Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and continues to work tirelessly for the benefit of the disadvantaged people of Sri Lanka through his efforts to strengthen economic partnerships between the two countries. 

A token of appreciation was presented to Thassim by Minister of Fisheries and State Minister of Mahaweli Development Mahinda Amaraweera at the event. Several past Presidents of HDCC participated on this occasion.