UK looks at boosting trade and investment relations with Sri Lanka
The UK is looking at bolstering trade and investment relations with South Asia and Sri Lanka through the appointment of Alan Gemmell OBE as the new UK Trade Commissioner for South Asia, the British High Commission in Colombo had stated.
He is based in Mumbai and will be a frequent visitor to Sri Lanka.
Gemmell is the former CEO of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, and former Director of the British Council in India.
British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Sarah Hulton OBE has said: “I am delighted that Alan Gemmell will be joining the UK team in the region as our new Trade Commissioner. We hope he will be able to visit Sri Lanka soon in order to help our drive to increase trade and investment between the UK and Sri Lanka. Alan brings a rich experience in promoting UK businesses in together with a strong affiliation to arts and culture, which we hope will contribute to driving growth and prosperity for both countries.”
Speaking after his appointment, Alan Gemmell has said, “I am delighted to be back in the region as Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner with a remit to support greater trade and investment between Sri Lanka and the UK. Our countries share strong business and cultural links and I look forward to working with our High Commissioner and her excellent team in Colombo to deepen these ties.”
The British High Commission in Colombo stated that HM Trade Commissioner’s cooperate closely with HM Ambassadors and High Commissioners, the wider diplomatic network and other HM Government colleagues based in countries within their region in a joined up and coordinated government effort to promote UK trade and prosperity.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka and the UK enjoy strong bilateral and trade ties that are likely to see a further boost by bolstering investment/trade between the two countries. Sri Lankan exports from tea, garments and spices among others enjoy a good trade partnership with the UK. Sri Lanka’s geographical positioning in the Indian Ocean and the many trade agreements as well as trade concessions enjoyed by the country will provide lucrative business opportunities to the discerning British business/investor.