The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently, facilitated a meeting between Sri Lanka’s designated envoys to Vietnam and Philippines, respectively Mrs. Hasanthi Dissanayake and Mrs. Aruni Ranaraja and some local companies, who are doing business with the respective countries to discuss matters relating to trade and commercial ties between Sri Lankan and those two countries.

During the discussion, Mrs. Ranaraja – the designated envoy to Philippines urged the local businesses to utilize the trade agreements – Sri Lanka has signed with foreign countries by following up the concessions given by those agreements.

The participants also raised questions about the non-issuance of multiple entry visas for local businessmen, when visiting those countries, which the duo said, they will try to address by discussing with the governments of respective countries.

The duo also urged the local businesses to try and establish new business partnerships, such as Joint Ventures with the investors of Vietnam and Philippines, apart from focusing on exporting products to those countries.

Diplomats designated to various countries visit the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce as a customary practice to meet and discuss with the local business community engaged in doing business with the respective countries and also to meet the representatives of the Business Councils, who deals with respective countries.

Ms. Lilakshini De Mel, Senior Assistant Secretary General of the meeting facilitated the discussion between the designated envoys and the business community, on-behalf of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.