Expat Chit Chat

Lanka safe for business

Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

The American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AMCHAM), a non-profit association founded in 1992, brings together more than 270 leading Sri Lankan and American companies based in Sri Lanka engaged in trade, business and investment activities between Sri Lanka and the United States of America.

The Executive Director, AMCHAM, Gordon Glick spoke to Daily News Business about facilitating business between USA and Sri Lanka

What role does AMCHAM play in promoting business?

AMCHAM represents US companies operating in Sri Lanka. It also represents Sri Lankan companies trading with the US exporting their products. We provide a variety of services. We offer networking, open markets for clients, advice on market entries and facilitate visa programmes for training in US.

AMCHAM provides regional network with the 25 offices in Asia Pacific. We hold seminars on topics, conduct executive programmes and provide security meetings. We educate the investors on security issues reassuring them it is safe to do business in Sri Lanka.

Can you assure investors that Sri Lanka is a safe place for business?

I always assure the companies willing to start business in Sri Lanka that it is safe as long as you don't get involved in political issues or go to conflict areas.

I can't feel a personal threat here. For US businessmen it is safe to do business. You can be at the wrong place at the wrong time anywhere. In USA you will have to face a lot of safety problems that I don't experience here. I believe it is much safer in Sri Lanka.

Most of the time the news that reaches the US businessmen is bad news. Business is growing and is not affected. The port is open, roads are open and Sri Lanka is perfectly a fine place to do business.

What do the investors look for before starting up businesses?

They do research. The environment should be stable. They look at the inflation, labour laws, taxation issues, political and economic stability, infrastructure, the road network, ports and airlines. They also study incentives, tax holidays and links between Sri Lanka and the region.

Regional Free Trade Agreements and larger trade agreements like the GSP plus are also important. The personal point of view also affects the investors planning to live and do business here. They look whether it is a good environment for their families. They are concerned about education, which is excellent in Sri Lanka.

They also look at entertainment and flight links. I feel Sri Lanka is the best country to do business in South Asia.

The quality of life is very high in Sri Lanka. Colombo is a small commercial city so it is easy to get to know people. Sri Lankans are the friendliest people on earth. It has become a cliche but every foreigner will accept that Sri Lankans are the friendliest people and Sri Lanka is a nice place to live and work.

What is your experience working with the local staff?

I have a great team working with me. They are excellent. I don't see any difference in the local staff. All of them are fantastic, hardworking and efficient.

USA is concerned about green products. How will it affect Sri Lanka?

It is a tremendous opportunity for Sri Lanka to take the lead in going green. Major companies like MAS and Brandix are in the forefront in environmentalism. It is a competitive business advantage for Sri Lanka and it is an excellent business opportunity.

At present Sri Lankan apparel industry has started doing business in a green way. Other companies can also follow. Sri Lanka not only does business in an environment friendly manner but it is also the best country when it comes to treating the employees.

AMCHAM was involved in creating awareness on intellectual property rights (IPR). How has it progressed?

IPR battle is never going to end. What we can do is limit and control the violation of IPR. Now we are in the next phase of creating public awareness on IPR. There is a low level of awareness in Sri Lanka. It impacts business and the Government is losing revenue on tax because of the counterfeits.

Companies that invest in Sri Lanka question the protection the Government is providing for their products. We work with the magistrates, Police Department, Customs and the National IPR office to raise awareness. We do this on behalf of all Sri Lankans.

Can you recall an unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka?

There are many unforgettable incidents. When I came to Sri Lanka for the first time in 1999, I got off the plane and got into a car. The drive from the airport to the hotel was unforgettable. I learnt many traffic rules on the way. Once I drove into a perehara in Colombo. It was over whelming. Amazing things happen everyday in Sri Lanka.

Where would you like to travel in Sri Lanka?

I have only been to Ampara in the Eastern Province. I have heard many stories about the beautiful beaches there.

I would like someday to visit East and Jaffna. I have travelled to West and South. I have lived here for five years. I am married to a Sri Lankan. This is my home. I don't intend to leave and I don't consider myself as an expat.