The world’s number one in Entrepreneurship, Germany celebrates its 70 years of diplomatic relationship with Sri Lanka and with BOI almost four decades of doing business have seen confirmed strength of relations. The longstanding business relationship recently continued with another fruitful annual BOI- AHK (Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka) business forum. Led by the H.E. German Ambassador Holger Seubert. Further German Ambassador emphasized that German technology and novel international benchmarks of Human Capital development will continue improving the Sri Lankan workers amidst Industry 4.0.  During this session, the Chairman of the BOI, Mr. Dinesh Weerakkody, the Director General of the BOI, Ms. Renuka M Weerakone, and Senior officials participated

Chief Delegate of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka. Ms. Marie Antoina von Schönburg moderated the business forum and discussed industries’ concerns emphasizing the importance of the continuation of the annual meeting and acknowledging the support and facilitation of the BOI to make this forum a success.

The German investor fraternity has been lifelong partners in doing business in Sri Lanka and they proudly claim the status of “first movers “of Sri Lankan FDI heritage. Accordingly, German investments are diverse in nature. As in numerous sectors including apparel, automotive, electronic products, light/heavy engineering, rubber-based products, gems and jewelry, tourism, and recreational projects.

Further, the BOI Chairman mentioned the new FDI initiative of getting one hundred IT projects and further mentioned German entrepreneurs’ contribution to the IT sector. It is also noted that   German investments always inculcate updated industry standards among Sri Lankan workers.  It is also synonymous with the quality aspect of manufacturing and makes “Made in Sri Lanka” more competitive in global business today due to the rich German technological industrial practices.

The key objective of the meeting is to seek both countries’ solidarity in investment and revisit doing business concerns with Sri Lanka for existing investors and a way forward for the future of German investment in Sri Lanka.

During the meeting diverse sector issues were discussed regarding business sustainability, continuation in respect of doing business in Sri Lanka, and more emphasis on Tax policy on exports of the BOI companies. Further HR issues such as recruiting blue-collar and white-collar workers with the recent mass migration trend.  Furthermore, a continuation of the re-investment strategy, energy cost of manufacturing, and passenger pier for Cruz liners was also discussed.

Multiple industries C Suit executives were represented at the business forum, representing industries such as   Biotechnology companies, Banking, Medical devices and Pharmaceuticals, ICT, Manufacturing, Product Engineering, Construction, Power Engineering and Energy, and Power and Apparel.