Taiwan delegation to promote trade

Ramani Kangaraarachch

A Taiwan business delegation representing 63 Taiwan companies held one-on-one business meetings with Sri Lankan companies at the Hilton Colombo yesterday. The delegation was the largest to arrive in Sri Lanka in 20 years.

Director, Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in New Delhi David Hsu told Daily News Business that the delegation had a very good response and representatives of both countries expressed an interest to do business with each other.

However, the Taiwanese know very little about Sri Lanka's market and this visit is to get an initial exposure and there should be a follow up by both countries thereafter. Taiwan expects to do trading as the second step and finally to invest in Sri Lanka.

He said that the decision to visit Sri Lanka was made by the Taiwan authorities seven months ago and when they arrived in Sri Lanka the country was free from terrorism which is a plus point.

Taiwan relies highly on the SME sector and both countries can work closely and achieve the benefits. He said that Sri Lankan gems, garments, jewellery and tea are loved by Taiwan's people and Taiwan can provide raw material for the agricultural sector.

Manager, Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) Che-ning Fan said that out of the 63 representatives of companies who arrived in the country 20 are PLC companies in the fields of computers, automobile, electronics and healthcare products.

TAITRA has 59 franchises overseas. He said that there are tremendous business opportunities in Taiwan's dynamic economy and TAITRA offers comprehensive services to assist foreign businesses in establishing a wider presence in Taiwan.

The delegation was organized by the Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka and TAITRA.