Sri Lanka and Qatar:
Ample room to develop trade
Qatar Minister for International Co-operation visits the Ceylon
Chamber of Commerce
Qatari delegates at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce |
In a bid to encourage business opportunities between Qatar and Sri
Lanka, International Co-operation of Qatar Minister Dr. Khalid Bin
Mohammad Al-Attiyah led a delegation with officials of the Qatar Chamber
of Commerce & Industry met members of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and
members of the Sri Lanka Africa and Middle East Business Council to
explore business opportunities and strengthen bilateral co-operation
between the two countries.
"Most of our members are engaged in trade with Qatar but there is
ample room to further develop the trade between the two countries. CCC
is committed to ensuring the success of such trade development",
Chairman, CCC, Jayampathi Bandaranayake said. We would like to request
assistance in furthering Sri Lanka's development goals, particularly
through bringing in much needed foreign investment to the country, he
added.
The main objective was to discuss expansion of bilateral trade
promotion and trade between Sri Lanka and Qatar, identify opportunities
available in the trade sector and to operate an investment in the
Agriculture sector. It was a platform that helped the Chamber members to
explore business opportunities, exchange valuable experience with the
delegates as well as network and establish contacts with industry
professionals.
Qatar and Sri Lanka share a strong trade relationship, however, the
Balance of Trade has remained in favour of Qatar up to date. Sri Lanka
exports edible fruits and nuts, black tea, rubber and rubber products,
vegetables, wood and wood products and precious and semi precious stones
while importing plastic and plastic products, urea and cotton from
Qatar.
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce entered into a MOU with the Qatar
Chamber of Commerce and Industry during a mission to Qatar in December
2007. |