A successful Sri Lanka – China International Economic Cooperation Forum was held on 17th May, 2017 at Super House International Hotel in Beijing. This was an event where approx. 250 Chinese businessmen participated and was organized by the China Association for International Economic Cooperation (CAFIEC) of the Ministry of Commerce of the PR of China with the support from the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing. This was the last event with regard to the Sri Lanka related activities Belt and Road International Forum held in Beijing with the participation of more than 100 countries including 28 Heads of States and Governments. Sri Lankan delegation to the Forum was led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe and four Cabinet Ministers.
The main speaker Hon. Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Minister of Special Projects and Chairman of Cabinet Sub Committee of Chinese Investments of Sri Lanka delivered a key note speech highlighting why Chinese should do trade and investments with Sri Lanka and advantages. The speech given by Dr. Karunasena Kodithuwakku, Ambassador of Sri Lanka highlighted historical developments in the Sri Lanka – China business friendship and emerging economic cooperation. Mr. Dhanushka Karunaratne, 3rd Secretary (Tea Promotion) of the Sri Lanka Embassy also did a presentation on how the Chinese traders and investors could get involved with the Sri Lanka Tea Industry.
Mr. Cui Mingmo, Chairman of CAFIEC of the Ministry of Commerce of the PR of China, Ma Wenpu, Former Vice Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee, Mr. Cui Tongzhe, CEO of Hinacom Yiyang Group, Mr. Liu Zouzhang, Director of CAFIEC of the Ministry of Commerce of the PR of China represented the Chinese side as VIPs and delivered speeches valuing Sri Lanka – China business relations. The cost of the event was met by the Chinese side.
In addition, Ms. Ruwanthi Ariyaratne, Commercial Counselor of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing, Mr. Daya Weththasinghe and Mr. Hasitha de Alwis, Senior Director of the Sri Lanka Tea Board also participated while adding a value. A Questions and Answers / Clarification Session too was held and Dr. Karunasena Kodithuwakku as well as Dr. Sarath Amunugama successfully answered all questions raised by the Chinese side. A wonderful gift exchange was also done after the sessions
Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing
24th May 2017
