High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to South Africa Sirisena Amarasekara met the Convener of the Progressive Business Forum of the African National Congress Sipho Mbele on 28 July, 2021 at the official residence. The prime objective of this meeting was to refresh the longstanding relationship with the business arm of the African National Congress and enhance the existing bi-lateral trade relations with two countries. At the discussion, it was agreed to organize a South Africa – Sri Lanka business forum with the participation of leading exporters, investors and trade partners of both countries focusing on the growing sectors of both the economies.

The Progressive Business Forum works closely with the central and provincial governments, multinational, local and public owned businesses, diplomatic missions and international organizations to promote the South African businesses, tourism and investments. Also they maintain strong links with other leading trade chambers in South Africa. Since they have a direct link with the ruling party of South Africa, the voice raised at the business forums is influential to the policy decisions and directives of the government. The High Commissioner requested special support to promote Sri Lankan exports in South Africa while promising to extend the same support in Sri Lanka too.

Further, it was highlighted that the potential sectors should collaborate at business to business level with the support of trade chambers in Sri Lanka. The logistic sector operations at the Colombo Port, Information Technology, Civil Constructions, Fruits and Vegetables are the key sectors where the discussion was focused.