After the lighting ofthe traditional oil lamp, the Ceylon tea stall was officially opened by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka G.M.V. Wishwanath Aponsu, Deputy President of International Affairs of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines & Agriculture Dr. Alireza Yavari, Managing Director of M/s Samley Tea Kavith Balage, Director of M/s Pankeh Tea Sara Shariati Saravi and other business representatives. A range of Ceylon tea varieties were on display and discussions on new ways to retain the Ceylon tea market and promote Ceylon tea in Iran took place.

During the inaugural ceremony, Head of Iran Tea Association Hamidreza Movassaghi welcomed all participants at the 18th Tea Seminar & Exhibition and emphasized the need  for collective engagement to uplift the tea market and tea industry in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Further, he underlined that all tea exporters and importers who work with the Iran tea market should convene regular meetings to discuss the progress, obstacles and way forward of the market. Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture Dr. Changiz Jahangiri also made his remarks.

While thanking the Head of Tea Association Movassaghi for the invitation extended to Sri Lanka to attend the event, Sri Ambassador Wishwanath Aponsu expressed that Sri Lanka’s prime objective is to supply healthy tea of the finest quality to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Highlighting the present economic situation in Sri Lanka, the Ambassador Aponso  requested all tea trading partners of Iran to import more Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka.

The Ambassador met several prominent business personnel and facilitated many business opportunities for the Sri Lankan tea exporters who were part of the Exhibition. At the discussion with the Ambassador of Kenya, Joshua I. Gatimu, Chairman Joho Mithamo Wasasuna and senior officials of Kenya Tea Board, joint partnership with regards to existing issues, including tea quality and tea promotions in Iran, were discussed, enabling all tea producing countries to secure their market.

The visitors to the Sri Lankan tea stall, were treated to the seven Ceylon tea flavors of Nuwara Eliya, Uda Pussellawa, Dimbula, Uva, Kandy, Ruhuna and Sabaragamuwa along with several Sri Lankan delicacies. Complimentary Ceylon tea packs were presented to all those who visited the Sri Lankan tea booth.