SLGBC-10th AGM

The Sri Lanka - Germany Business Council (SLGBC) which functions under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce held its 10th Annual General Meeting recently. Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Dr. Stefan Weckbach was the Chief Guest.

Dr. Weckbach shared some views on Global Economic Crisis and added that Germany has forecast a decrease of 6 - 7 percent in their real GDP and also the biggest budget deficit that the country ever forecast in 2009. Germany being an export oriented economy has experienced a decrease in exports by 20 percent in the first quarter of 2009.

However, the consumption figures are positive which depicts that German consumers are optimistic. He said that the Business Climate Index has also shown a slight upward trend.

Chief Executive Officer of Walkers Tours Ltd Michael Elias, was re elected as the President of SLGBC for 2009/2010. Elias said that "2009 brought a fresh breeze in Sri Lanka.

The country's emphatic victory over the scourge of terrorism that had affected us for three decades has given us all a new sense of hope - of positivism, euphoria, relief and confidence. Industries such as tourism will benefit from the huge opportunities this opens for businesses.

In to line with the strategy planned at the beginning of the financial year the committee of the Sri Lanka German Business Council focussed on adding value for the membership, such as further development of the website to include the option of permitting members links and program of interactive evenings held was amended to give members the opportunity to present their products and service.