UK Chamber welcomes sl ties with African countries
Shirajiv SIRIMANE
British Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce UK, has welcomed the move by
Sri Lanka to establish diplomatic relations with 15 African Countries.
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Jay Perera, chairman British Sri Lanka Chamber Of Commerce UK,
Vice Chairman Philip Brown and Dr. Dr Mohan Kaul of the
Commonwealth Business Council, organisers of the Commonwealth
Economic Forum held at Mansion House. |
“With Sri Lanka having diplomatic relations with African countries it
would create openings for both the government and private sector to open
up business,” said Jay Perera chairman British Sri Lanka Chamber Of
Commerce, UK. Speaking to Daily News Business from London he said that
Africa is developing rapidly and they have natural resources that many
other countries cannot match. Thanks to this move we can now look at the
African continent which would bringing in numerous economic benefits to
Sri Lanka,” he said.
“This is certainly something we should have done years ago. Due to
the increasing trade between Africa and other Asia, Sri Lanka is in a
very strong position to offer some of the goods and services needed in
this area and also the possibility of inward investments and tourism to
Sri Lanka from these developing nations.”
“We strongly suggest that Sri Lanka should consider more African
nations as partners with Commonwealth members as a primary point of
contact. Our own experience suggests that whilst some Sri Lankan
products are in great demand in these areas, establishing credible trade
links are the stumbling block for developing trade.“While Sri Lanka is
pursuing business in the West and Far East, we have overlooked some of
the nations in the developing world.
Many of these states have shown tremendous potential as partners in
commerce and trade. Additionally, many of these nations are members of
the Commonwealth with whom we share a common historical link.” Perera
said that he together with Vice Chairman Philip Brown attended the
recently concluded Commonwealth Economic Forum in Mansion House and
during the meeting it was revealed, that some of the member states from
the African continent are forecasting staggering growth rates.
“Thus, it could be enormously profitable for Sri Lankan businesses to
develop trade links with them. Nigeria, Ghana, Serria Leone, Mozambique
and Ethiopia are all examples of these potential markets. With ever
increasing cross boarder trade among neighboring countries, these
countries are becoming major economic forces to recon with.” |
