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 & Investment Opportunities” Seminar and Business Networking Dinner on 19 August 2026 at the Celestine Ballroom, Cinnamon Life, Colombo.

The programme was organized 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 more than 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,” Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, highlighted the importance of strengthening international partnerships and creating new pathways for Sri Lankan exporters to access global markets.

The Chairman emphasized 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 programme also featured presentations by senior representatives of the Hong Kong business and trade promotion ecosystem. Mr. Hillwan Brahmanda, Head of Business and Talent Attraction/Investment Promotion, Invest Hong Kong, Jakarta Office, 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.

Ms. Vian Cheung, Director – South Asia and Thailand, HKTDC, highlighted how Sri Lankan companies can utilize 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 internationalize their businesses and build new partnerships.

The event also featured a special address by Mr. Anura Warnakulasooriya, President of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, 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.

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board, through its collaboration with HKETO, InvestHK, HKTDC and other strategic partners, will continue to facilitate opportunities that connect Sri Lankan exporters with international buyers, investors and business networks. Such partnerships are expected to create further opportunities for Sri Lankan enterprises to participate in international trade fairs, business missions, investment programmes and targeted business-to-business engagements.

The successful seminar marked an important platform for deepening Sri Lanka–Hong Kong economic and commercial relations and reaffirmed the commitment of both sides to explore new avenues for trade, investment and business cooperation. With Sri Lanka’s growing export ambitions and Hong Kong’s strategic position as a gateway to Mainland China and international markets, the collaboration presents significant opportunities for Sri Lankan exporters to diversify markets, build international partnerships and expand their global presence.

The EDB remains committed to working closely with its international partners and the Sri Lankan business community to transform such engagements into concrete trade and investment opportunities, supporting the continued internationalization and growth of Sri Lankan enterprises.