SLMLBC hosts interactive session with High Commissioner-designate to Maldives
Daily FT: The Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council (SLMLBC) recently hosted an interactive session with High Commissioner Designate to the Maldives Ranga Goonawardena, at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
The session aimed to facilitate dialogue and provide insights into the business landscape of the Maldives. Ranga Goonawardena, in his address, shared information on opportunities for collaboration in several industry sectors. Referring to ongoing discussions between Sri Lanka and the Maldives addressing the investment landscape including investor protection and double taxation, he emphasised that an increasingly investor friendly environment would create enhanced opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with Ranga Goonawardena and discuss opportunities and issues faced by Sri Lankan companies conducting business with the Maldives.
Ceylon Chamber of Commerce CEO Buwanekabahu Perera delivered the welcome remarks, setting the tone for the session. In his address, he warmly welcomed the High Commissioner and highlighted the 17-year history of the Council. He further emphasised that this session presents an opportunity to enhance trade and commerce with the Maldives.
Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council President Sudesh Mendis shared his insights on bilateral business relations between the two countries. He further mentioned that the Council looks forward to continued support and to working closely with the High Commissioner.
The session provided attendees with the opportunity to interact directly with Goonawardena, addressing concerns and obtaining information, aiding Sri Lankan companies to obtain insightful information relating to conducting business in the Maldives.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka, which is on the path to becoming a regional hub, has placed much focus on further strengthening trade, business and investment ties with other countries in the South Asian region. It is in such a backdrop that Sri Lanka had initiated many open forum discussions with businesses in the region to present the expanding business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. The discussion with Maldivian businesses also presents business opportunities for Sri Lankan businesses that are currently engaged in overseas expansion programmes to explore possibilities in the Maldives as well. The expansion programmes undertaken by local businesses are indicative of the overall strength and growth of Sri Lanka’s economy. The Sri Lankan government has also prepared a set of incentives to offer foreign businesses/investors interested in doing business with Sri Lanka. The expanding business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka present lucrative opportunities for foreign businesses/investors given the growing business potential in the country, especially with Sri Lanka fast becoming an emerging business destination in the region.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20240416/Z_1 |