'Sino - Lanka trade thriving'

Shirajiv Sirimane

PROGRESS: Sri Lanka-China trade is increasing rapidly and this would help to gain more economic benefits to Sri Lanka said the President Sri Lanka China Business Council, who is a Director of Delmege Forsyth, Shamil Mendis. He said that in the year 2004, exports amounted to Rs 1742 million, while imports were Rs 45,946 million.

In 2005 exports were Rs 2853 million, while imports were Rs 63,370 million. "Between January and June 2006, exports were Rs 1361 million, imports Rs 34,997 million and this figure is expected to double," he said.

Mendis said that the Council would continue to promote trade in a multiplicity of ways. "We need to make a special effort to increase trade between Sri Lanka and China, as well as to promote tourist arrivals from China to Sri Lanka".

Since the introduction of direct flights by SriLankan airlines Chinese arrivals have increased.

He added that the Council would be looking at promoting joint ventures with China, the transfer of technology from China to Sri Lanka, a regular flow of business delegations to and from China, and the conducting of Sri Lanka trade exhibitions in China.

"In this the 50th year of diplomatic relations between our two countries, it is vital that we renew and strengthen the ties that already exist. Sri Lanka can benefit greatly from the expertise and technical know how that China can impart, while on the trade front too the potential is immense.

Tourism is another vast untapped resource and the Council will do its best to encourage tourists to visit to Sri Lanka", Mendis said.

Established in 2001, the Council is affiliated to the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and was formed at the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the main objectives of promoting trade, investment, services and tourism between Sri Lanka and China.

The Sri Lanka China Business Council will commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations with China, with a series of activities to mark the occasion which include a commemorative banquet, trade exhibitions [ scheduled for mid year] to be held in Sri Lanka which are to be conducted by Chinese Trade Chambers.

"In fact several Chambers have indicated a strong interest in coming to Sri Lanka and promoting their products, while we plan to conduct similar trade exhibitions in China with Sri Lankan products as well", he said.

The Sri Lanka China Business Council intends to hold an event in the form of a 'China Week' which includes cultural performances, a food festival and other activities, together with a trade exhibition.