September, 28, 2022
The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Brazil, Sumith Dassanayake undertook a visit to the State of Goiás on 19 September 2022 as part of the Embassy’s reaching out programme to promote Sri Lanka’s Trade and Economic relations with the leading economic hubs in Brazil. Goiás is one of the fastest growing states in Brazil with the GDP of over USD 42 billion and a leading state in commerce, agriculture, livestock, mining and food production etc. The Ambassador was accompanied by, Minister Counsellor (Commercial) Seevali Wijewantha of the Embassy during the visit.
The Ambassador was warmly welcomed by the President of the Association of Commerce, Industries and Services of Goiás (ACIEG) Rubens Fileti at the headquarters of the ACIEG in Goiânia, Goiás. During the discussion, Ambassador Dassanayake highlighted the interest of Sri Lanka to work closely with the industrial sector in the State of Goiás, especially in pharmaceutical, ICT Services, Tourism and Rubber based industries. He informed that investment opportunities are available to Brazilian investors in Sri Lanka especially in the Colombo Port City and the Industrial Zone in Hambantota.
The ACIEG agreed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a leading Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka to commence commercial activities between Sri Lanka and the State of Goias in a structured manner. Accordingly, both the sides agreed to finalize the proposed MoU before the end of 2022. Directors for International Trade Jose Breno and Akira Ninomiya of ACIEG also participated in the discussion.
The meeting held at the regional office of the Federation of Industries in the State of Goiás (FIEG), in Anápolis centered on the possibility of Brazilian companies investing in the pharmaceutical sector of Sri Lanka considering the fact that over 40% of Brazil’s pharmaceutical requirements are produced in the city of Anápolis. The Ambassador highlighted the availability of Foreign Investment opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector to which the the President of the Anápolis region of the Association, Wilson de Oliveira, stated that the Brazilian pharmaceutical companies may explore investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the Ambassador extended an invitation for a delegation to visit Sri Lanka and get first-hand information on the facilities available for the Brazilian companies. President of the Foreign Trade Council William Leyser O’Dwyer and, the Executive Chairman of the Sindicate of Pharmaceutical Industries of the State of Goiás Marçal Henrique Soares also joined the meeting.
The Sri Lankan team also had a meeting with the President of the Tour Operators’ Association of the State of Goiás (ABAV-GO) Eliena Meireles with a view to promote Sri Lanka as a tourist destination. The President of the Association assured assistance to organize a destination awareness promotional event with tour operators in November 2022.
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