At the invitation of the Coimbatore Chapter Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to South India Dr. D. Venkateshwaran and the Minister (Commerce) G. L. Gnanatheva participated at the ICCI’s 14th General Council Meeting held on 15 November.2023. Following the Meeting, a Sri Lanka India Business Information Forum was held under the Chairmanship of Vice President of ICCI Rajesh B Lund.
The Deputy High Commissioner in his address highlighted on the culture, logistical advantage, air connectivity, linguistics connection, geo-locations, cosmopolitan set-up and other incentives offered by Sri Lanka to Indian entrepreneurs. The Deputy High Commissioner further emphasized on the improving political and financial stability of Sri Lanka and invited Indian entrepreneurs to make use of the opportunities to set-up their business in Sri Lanka and export to other destinations through Sri Lankan FTAs. Further DHC stated that Sri Lanka’s Tourism and Real Estate sectors are already being successfully utilised by high level Indian entrepreneurs, and need to be further explored by more businessmen who should capitalise on the growing close bilateral relations of both nations.
Minister (Commerce) Gnanatheva made a presentation on India – Sri Lanka business opportunities in the emerging situation with the panoramic view on the existing trade, investment and tourism potentials of Sri Lanka. The meeting concluded with an interactive session and discussions on a potential business visit to Sri Lanka to explore more opportunities and meet with stakeholders. The Sri Lanka India Business Information Forum of the ICCI was a long awaited event for the businessmen from Coimbatore to reach the worldwide consumer markets and industries through Sri Lanka’s free trade agreements.. More than one hundred leading businessmen of Coimbatore participated followed by a networking dinner.
Coimbatore is also known as the Manchester of South India due to its comprehensive textile industry and the second largest city after Chennai. The city is also one of the largest exporters of jewellery, wet grinding, poultry, auto components and machineries.
Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka
Chennai
24 November 2023
