China assures further strengthening of business ties with Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka - China Business linkages will be further strengthened in the years to come, said the newly appointed Commercial Counselor Wang Yingqi for China at the interactive session organised by the Sri Lanka - China Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

"The interactive session focused on export opportunities and challenges in the Chinese market for Sri Lankan exporters," said Sri Lanka - China Business Council president Prabath Harshakumar,

Harshakumar said Sri Lanka has achieved remarkable growth during the past few years showing positive results of increased export volumes to China. He said Sri Lanka's tourism sector has shown positive growth of tourists visiting Sri Lanka from China.

In year 2011, total number of Chinese tourists arrived in Sri Lanka exceeded 16,000 arrivals compared to 10,430 in year 2010.

"This is a positive sign that Chinese travelers have now included Sri Lanka in their travel itineraries and we anticipate further increase of tourist arrivals from China during the year 2012", Harshakumar told the well attended gathering.

The Sri Lanka - China Business Council established on April 26, 2001 was formed under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. The Council was formed at the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the main objective of promoting trade, investment, services and tourism between Sri Lanka and China. As at end May 2012 number of members of the council stands at 108.