New Zealand Trade Commissioner visits Chamber – wants more tie ups between Sri Lankan and Kiwi businesses

March, 23, 2015

The New Zealand Trade Commissioner for New Delhi and Colombo Kevin Mckenna, recently visited the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to discuss ways and means of exploring potential investment and trade opportunities between Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

During the discussion held with Mangala Yapa, CEO / Secretary General of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Mckenna said that New Zealand is keen on enhancing commercial ties with Sri Lanka.

He highlighted the importance of making a strategic plan to link up businesses of both countries, which can then focus on building various economic partnerships.

“We want to come out with a strategy to link Sri Lankan and the New Zealand to explore opportunities in trade and investment” McKenna said.

In response, Yapa said that partnerships can be built on a number of areas such as fisheries, dairy, aviation and agriculture among many others.

“Sri Lanka needs FDI’s and Technology to lift its export earnings, which I think an area New Zealand, can help us,” Yapa said.

Ruwan Rajapakse, Committee member of the Sri Lanka – Australia – New Zealand Business Council (SLANZBC), speaking during the occasion said, Kiwi businesses can tap the Indian market via Sri Lanka, using the Indo-Lanka FTA and also taking advantage of the close proximity to each other.

During the discussion Senaka Silva, Consulate to New Zealand in Sri Lanka, said Sri Lankan businessmen are eager to meet with the possible Trade Delegation, which is expected to arrive from New Zealand to the Island in the near future

Ramya Weerakoon, Vice President of the Sri Lanka – Australia – New Zealand Business Council elaborated on the importance of business matchmaking between the two countries to focus on FDI projects funded by EU, ADB, WB and French RPE.

Lilakshini de Mel, Senior Assistant Secretary General and Cherryl Rodrigo, Assistant Secretary General of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Samaji Seneviratne, Committee member of the SLANZBC and Irfan Jaffer, Business Development Manager, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise also were present during the meeting.

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