Sri Lanka–Hong Kong trade and investment opportunities strengthened through collaboration
Daily FT: A major step towards strengthening trade, investment and business linkages between Sri Lanka and Hong Kong was taken with the successful hosting of the “Bridging Markets: Unlocking Hong Kong–Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Opportunities” seminar and business networking dinner recently at the Celestine Ballroom, Cinnamon Life, Colombo.
The program was organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Jakarta, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), in association with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL). The event brought together over 100 Sri Lankan exporters and business representatives, creating a valuable platform for direct engagement, networking and exploration of new commercial opportunities.
The participation represented a diverse cross-section of Sri Lanka’s export economy, including companies from the Apparel, Handicrafts, ICT and Software, Boat Building, Gems, Food and Tea sectors. This broad representation demonstrated the depth and diversity of Sri Lanka’s export capabilities and the potential to further expand Sri Lankan products and services into Hong Kong, Mainland China and wider international markets.
The event provided Sri Lankan businesses with an opportunity to gain first-hand insights into Hong Kong’s role as an international business and investment hub, as well as its connectivity with the Chinese Mainland and global markets. Discussions also focused on investment facilitation, international market expansion, trade fairs, business summits and opportunities for Sri Lankan companies to establish stronger commercial links with Hong Kong and Chinese enterprises.
Delivering special remarks on “Sri Lanka’s Export Ecosystem, Investment Climate and Trade Outlook,” EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe highlighted the importance of strengthening international partnerships and creating new pathways for Sri Lankan exporters to access global markets.
The Chairman emphasised the need to position Sri Lanka as a competitive and reliable trading and investment destination, while leveraging the country’s diverse export capabilities, skilled workforce and strategic location. He also underscored the importance of moving beyond traditional markets and developing stronger connections with dynamic business centers such as Hong Kong, which can serve as an important gateway to Mainland China and the broader Asian region.
The program also featured presentations by senior representatives of the Hong Kong business and trade promotion ecosystem. Invest Hong Kong, Jakarta Office Head of Business and Talent Attraction/Investment Promotion Hillwan Brahmanda, outlined opportunities for investment facilitation into Hong Kong and the GoGlobal initiative, including the role of Hong Kong in connecting Chinese Mainland enterprises with international markets.
HKTDC Director – South Asia and Thailand Vian Cheung highlighted how Sri Lankan companies can utilise HKTDC’s extensive network of international trade fairs and business summits to expand their presence in overseas markets. The presentations provided practical insights into potential avenues for Sri Lankan enterprises seeking to internationalise their businesses and build new partnerships.
The event also featured a special address by National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka President Anura Warnakulasooriya, who highlighted the importance of business networking, SME support and bilateral cooperation in strengthening commercial relations.
The networking session that followed enabled Sri Lankan exporters and representatives of the Hong Kong business community to establish new contacts, exchange information and explore potential business partnerships. The strong participation from diverse export sectors demonstrated considerable interest among Sri Lankan businesses in expanding their international footprint.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s efforts to deepen commercial links with Hong Kong are opening business/investment opportunities for Hong Kong businesses/investors to participate in the country’s expanding economy while using Sri Lanka as a gateway to wider South Asian and Indian Ocean markets. Opportunities are emerging in export-oriented manufacturing, apparel, ICT and software, food processing, tea, gems, boat building and logistics, sectors already identified as having strong export potential. Hong Kong companies could invest through joint ventures, supply-chain partnerships and local production facilities aimed at serving both the domestic market and overseas destinations. Sri Lanka’s strategic location also creates scope for investment in logistics, warehousing, trade facilitation and distribution, particularly for businesses seeking closer connections with South Asian and regional markets. Beyond exports, Hong Kong businesses/investors could explore Sri Lanka’s growing tourism, hospitality, real estate, renewable energy and digital-services sectors, bringing capital, technology and international market access. With Hong Kong’s financial, trading and business networks providing strong links to Mainland China and global markets, greater engagement could create a two-way investment platform, with Sri Lanka offering a cost-competitive production and services base and Hong Kong businesses providing capital, expertise and access to international markets.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260908Z_3 |