Sri Lanka Embassy in Türkiye organized a “Sri Lanka Day” in collaboration with the Antalya Chamber of Commerce & Industry recently at the premises of the Chambers in Antalya, Türkiye to present opportunities in tourism, trade and investment in Sri Lanka for the business community in Antalya region of Türkiye.
While thanking the Antalya Chamber of Commerce & industry for organizing the “Sri Lanka Day”, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Türkiye, Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake, emphasized the importance of further improving bilateral trade relations between Sri Lanka and Türkiye, as the current trade figures do not give due credence for historical and longstanding relations between the two countries and the potential that exists for increasing bilateral trade.
Ambassador Dissanayake stated that an increase in bilateral trade is achievable through the work done by the Embassies of Sri Lanka and Türkiye in respective capitals. She underscored that the Sri Lanka Day in Antalya indeed is a contribution towards this target.
The President of the Antalya Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ali Bahar in his opening remarks highlighted that the engine of economic growth in Antalya is driven by tourism and agriculture. He expressed that this event is very important to obtain first-hand information for companies based in Antalya region to expand their business collaborations with Sri Lanka including identifying potential sectors.
Minister Counsellor (Commercial) at the Sri Lanka Embassy in Türkiye Thavishya Mullegamgoda presented trade, investment and tourism opportunities in Sri Lanka in detail. Presentation consisted on basic introduction to Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan product basket for exports, potential in tourism collaboration such as wellness tourism, eco-tourism etc., expertise in Sri Lankan hospitality sector and sustainable tourism, as well as potential collaborations for investment.
Sri Lanka Embassy in Türkiye invited companies in Antalya region to consider Sri Lanka as a potential destination. The participants were also invited to join a business delegation to Sri Lanka to experience and learn more about opportunities to increase bilateral trade and investment in a mutually beneficial manner.
The business seminar was attended by the potential Turkish importers, distributors, manufacturers, exporters, investors etc. based in Antalya region. Hony. Consul for Sri Lanka in Antalya Ali Kamburoğlu and the President of the Antalya Journalists’ Association Idris Tas were also among distinguished guests. A display of Ceylon tea, spices, and cinnamon based products, coconut-based food items, herbal preparations, handloom/lifestyle products, beverages etc. was also arranged by the Sri Lanka Embassy to show case Sri Lankan products.
During the networking session, participants were able to enjoy Ceylon tea and Sri Lankan ginger biscuits together with Turkish delights.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Ankara
16 June 2023
