The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh under the economic diplomacy initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka hosted a trade, investment, and tourism promotion forum at Ashqariya Chamber of Commerce in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The event, held on 18 December 2024, was followed by a catalogue exhibition showcasing Sri Lanka’s export products and services as well as investment opportunities and places of tourist attractions to the Saudi market.
Vice Chairman of the Ashqariya Chamber, Hamad Alamar delivered the welcome address while appreciating the initiative of the Embassy and reaffirming the Chamber’s commitment to fostering stronger private sector ties between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia.
Delivering the inaugural address, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad recalled the historical trade and commercial ties and people to people contacts between the two countries that date from the ancient times. Referring to the current context, he highlighted numerous opportunities available for private sector collaboration in trade and investment sectors in both countries, and encouraged Saudi travel and tourism companies to make use of the booming tourism industry in Sri Lanka.
The Ambassador also expressed his sincere appreciation for the unwavering support extended by Ashqariya Chamber of Commerce to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh. Further, he pointed out that the lack of awareness of the opportunities available for the private sectors in both countries creates glaring gaps and that forums of this type that facilitate the sharing of updated information, and the exchange of bilateral visits from both countries would bridge the gap and pave the way for more B2B interactions.
The forum featured detailed presentations from the key Sri Lankan institutions such as Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI), Export Development Board (EDB), Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Colombo Port City, providing firsthand information about trade, investment and tourism opportunities in Sri Lanka.
Joining the event virtually, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Mangala Wijesinghe shared insights into Sri Lanka’s diverse export potential, highlighting key sectors of interest for Saudi businesses. A detailed presentation on each key sector was delivered by Acting Director of Market Development Division, Saumya Kannangara.
The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Buddhika Hewawasem elaborated on the unique tourism offerings of Sri Lanka, while highlighting the recent testimonies provided by world-renowned travel guides that have recognized Sri Lanka as the “Most Desirable Island” for tourism.
Executive Director of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, Prasanjith Wijayatilake outlined the investment opportunities in Sri Lanka in various sectors and the incentives provided for Saudi investors.
Executive Director of the Colombo Port City, Shalaka Wijeyaratne showcased lucrative investment opportunities readily available in the Port City Colombo (PCC), the multi service Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The forum which was the first of its kind attracted a large number of Saudi business personalities and provided a platform for Saudi participants to gain insights into numerous opportunities available in Sri Lanka’s trade, investment and tourism sectors.
The catalogue show that followed the forum featured a diverse range of products and services from Sri Lankan companies, facilitating the Saudi business stakeholders to directly engage with their business counterparts in Sri Lanka and to explore opportunities for collaboration.
Ambassador Ameer Ajwad held a productive discussion with the Chairman of Ashqariya Chamber, Dr. Bader S. AlReziza together with the Vice Chairman, Hamad Alamar and Secretary General, AbdulRahman bin Abdullah Al-Wabel, prior to the commencement of the forum. Minister/ Head of Chancery of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh, Mohamed Anas and First Secretary (Trade), Tashma Vithanawasem were also present during the meeting.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Riyadh
27 December 2024
