Lanka to be showcased at UN-ESCAP parley

Ravi Ladduwahetty

Sri Lanka will get the opportunity to showcase itself as an ideal investment hub when the United Nations - Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific (ESCAP) hosts-Asia Pacific Business Forum confab gets under way in Bangkok on July 26 and 27.

“This would be an ideal opportunity for Sri Lanka to be showcased as an investment hub in all areas of activity in the post conflict era while this country will also get the benefit of linking with the developments in the Asia- Pacific region, Asia Pacific Business Forum in Sri Lanka Advisor Kosala Wickremanayake told Daily News Business yesterday.

“Sri Lankan entrepreneurs will also get an ideal opportunity to network with the businessmen of the Asia Pacific region to promote trade and investment,” he said.

The conference, themed : “Facing Challenges, Capturing Opportunities”, will also deliberate on the key challenges faced by business in the Asian and Pacific region with particular reference to reducing business costs, the development of a competitive workforce, need for continuous innovation and currency realignments and the key driving forces of business in Asia and the Pacific.

Started in April 2004 and themed Facing challenges and capturing opportunities, the Asia-Pacific Business Forum (APBF) discusses emerging trade and investment opportunities, and promotes cooperation and dialogue between the public and business sectors. It also provides a platform for networking and forming partnerships among the business community in the Asia-Pacific region.

Over 300 participants are expected to participate, including Ministers, corporate CEOs, senior policy makers, business leaders and experts from the private sector and representatives from international aid and development agencies.