Sri Lanka-Thailand Business Council Ex-Co calls on new Ambassador
Daily FT: In a notable event aimed at fostering international cooperation and understanding, the Sri Lanka-Thailand Business Council recently convened a pivotal meeting with the new Ambassador of Thailand in Sri Lanka Paitoon Mahapannaporn.
Held at the Siam Nivasa on 4 July 2024, the gathering marked a significant step forward in enhancing bilateral relations and addressing shared challenges.
The meeting, attended by the Executive Committee of the Council, focused on a range of critical topics pertinent to both Sri Lanka and Thailand. Discussions spanned trade and economic collaboration, technology and knowledge sharing and strategies for promoting joint ventures and investments.
The Ambassador addressing the meeting, highlighted the importance of dialogue and cooperation between the embassy and the business council. Emphasising the longstanding ties between Thailand and Sri Lanka. He expressed optimism about future collaborations and mutual benefits.
Members of the council reciprocated with ideas and presentations outlining ongoing projects and initiatives aimed at fostering mutual understanding and sustainable development. The exchange of ideas underscored a shared commitment to harnessing collective expertise and resources for the betterment of society.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka and Thailand enjoy strong bilateral and trade ties that have been further strengthened by a free trade agreement (FTA) that was signed earlier this year. With Sri Lanka engaged in further strengthening the country’s trade ties in-line with Sri Lanka’s target of becoming a hub in the South Asian region, Thai businesses/investors could explore business, trade and investment opportunities in Sri Lanka and vice versa. The ongoing economic activities resulting in an overall economic expansion in Sri Lanka have opened up a host of new business/investment opportunities covering all key economic sectors in the country. Given Sri Lanka’s strong trade ties with many countries, foreign businesses/investors could look at setting up base in Sri Lanka to expand operations into other countries using the preferential treatment enjoyed by Sri Lanka with other countries in the region, especially countries like Thailand. All these developments have increased Sri Lanka’s business potential presenting lucrative business/investment opportunities.