“Sri Lanka is keen to strengthen economic relations and explore new vistas for bilateral trade engagements with Tajikistan”, stated Hon. Dr. Harsha de Silva, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, when he made the welcome remarks at the Sri Lanka- Tajikistan Business Meeting held on 14th December 2016 in Colombo.
The Business Meeting was held to coincide with the State Visit to Sri Lanka by His Excellency Emomali Rahmon President of Tajikistan.
In his remarks, the Acting Foreign Minister further stated that areas such as trade and investment, tourism, cultural tourism and youth exchanges which could be realized through joint ventures, including public-private partnerships, could be explored with Tajikistan in order to improve ties through joint ventures. He also noted that in order to expand the bilateral trade between the two countries, it was important to consider organising a study mission to Tajikistan followed by trade missions from Sri Lanka for key potential product sectors such as apparel, rubber based products, gem and jewellery, porcelain, tableware, Ayurvedic medicines and confectionary products, among others. Dr. de Silva also encouraged Sri Lanka investors to explore the areas of hydro-power generation and apparel sectors and added that investment opportunities in the free trade zones in Tajikistan could also be explored.
In his address, H. E the President of Tajikistan gave an overview of the country and the investment climate in Tajikistan. He encouraged partnerships between companies from both countries in order to expand the existing trade ties between the two countries.
Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce and Hon. Hikmatullozoda Nematullo, Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan also addressed the gathering.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the Meeting between the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tajikistan.
The Meeting, which was arranged in coordination with the Export Development Board, was attended by a large number of representatives from leading businesses and companies. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, Hon. Aslov Sirodjidin, along with other members of the Tajikistan delegation, also attended the meeting.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
14th December 2016
