Several new initiatives were launched and trade between Sri Lanka and France boosted on the occasion of the visit of a Trade Delegation from Sri Lanka which was facilitated by the European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (ECCSL), in association with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in France and the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka.
The delegation visited France on 22 nd February 2013 and held several rounds of discussions, which commenced with a Breakfast meeting at the Embassy in Paris.
Speaking at the opening of the breakfast meeting, Chargée d’Affaires, Ms. W. S. Perera highlighted the opportunity such interactive business networking sessions provided and appreciated the efforts made by the key stakeholders in enhancing trade between Sri Lanka and France, and thereby strengthening trade with the European Union.
She commended the meaningful initiatives undertaken and encouraged French companies to take advantage of the many facilities available for investments in Sri Lanka. She noted that the meetings were geared towards enhancing trade and facilitating a further boost in engagement and partnerships between the business communities of Sri Lanka and France.
Several leading French companies including VINCI, Lafarge, Bouygues as well as officials from French Chambers of Commerce and Industry were present at the discussions. Senior officials of the relevant French Ministries also attended the meetings at the Embassy.
The ECCSL delegation was headed by its President, Mr. Dilipan Tyagarajah and included senior officials from MAC Holdings, Energy & Power Development Ltd, Expo Lanka Freight Ltd, Luxe Asia (Pvt) Ltd, Orion Development (Pvt) Ltd, Maharajah Organization Projects (Pvt) Ltd. New Kathiresan Developers (Pvt) Ltd, all of whom are involved in the hospitality/ leisure, education, freight/ logistics, environment, energy/renewal energy and IT and communication sectors. The Sri Lankan Delegation further explored avenues whereby they could increase partnerships in the health and education spheres.
The French representatives stressed their renewed interest in venturing into Sri Lanka with partners in the chosen sectors while all stakeholders noted the relevance and timeliness of such interactive sessions.
A reception was also hosted in the evening at the Embassy of Sri Lanka at which further informal discussions took place between the Sri Lankan Delegation and representatives of the French business community.
