EDB and Türkiye Ambassador hold discussion on enhancing trade opportunities
Daily FT: Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye Semih Lütfü Turgut, and the Export Development Board (EDB) engaged in discussions on fostering international relations and exploring trade opportunities between the two countries. The meeting was held at EDB on 12 June.
Ambassador Turgut was accompanied by Türkiye Embassy in Colombo Commercial Counsellor Gamze Ercan. The EDB was represented by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe, Director General Champika Dharmasena, Trade Facilitation and Trade Information Division Director Dr. Sanjeewa Rathnasekara, Market Development Division Acting Director Saumya Kannangara, Export Services Division Director Indumini Kodikara, Policy and Strategic Planning Division Director Kumudunie Mudalige, and other officials.
Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye Semih Lütfü Turgut was warmly welcomed by the EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe. The Chairman gave a brief overview of the current economic and export market landscape, an outline of the programs presently carried out by EDB as well as the trade ties between The Republic of Türkiye and Sri Lanka. The Ambassador, while emphasising on the importance of strengthening relationships with Sri Lankan institutions and enhancing opportunities for both countries drew close attention to the intricacies involved with Tea, one of the leading exports from Sri Lanka to Türkiye.
During the meeting Türkiye Embassy in Colombo Commercial Counsellor Gamze Ercan outlined the economic landscape of Türkiye and regarding bilateral trade relationships between the two countries. She also provided information on different trade fairs and exhibitions in Türkiye.
The discussion with the dignitaries also revolved around investment opportunities, specific sectors such as textile and apparel, gem and jewellery, agriculture and fisheries, rubber, transport and logistics, ICT, strengthening the supply chain as well as potential opportunities that can be gained through air cargo connections between Turkish Cargo and Sri Lankan Airlines.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe reiterated the EDB’s commitment to supporting Sri Lankan exporters through various initiatives, and expressed the Board’s willingness to work more closely with the Republic of Türkiye to expand opportunities for Sri Lankan exporters.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic expansion has opened avenues to further expand the country’s trade ties with foreign countries while also presenting the increasing business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka in foreign markets. Sri Lanka’s geographical positioning in the Indian Ocean and the many trade agreements as well as trade concessions enjoyed by the country with other countries have all given an edge to Sri Lanka when positioning itself as an emerging business destination in the region. As Sri Lanka targets on becoming a regional hub, local authorities are engaged in many promotional campaigns overseas as well as further strengthen trade ties with foreign countries in order to attract more foreign businesses/investors to explore the expanding business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. The growth, profits and expansion recorded by local businesses as well as foreign businesses operating in Sri Lanka are all indicative of the business conducive environment in Sri Lanka and the country’s growing business potential. The ongoing engagement between Sri Lanka and Turkey to expand business and trade ties also shows the increasing interest among Turkish businesses/investors to explore the increasing opportunities in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan businesses could also use this growing relationship between the two countries to look at forming partnerships or joint ventures with Turkish businesses to expand into foreign markets.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20250704/Z_3 |