Lankan exports to Poland increase

“Exports from Sri Lanka to Poland have increased from US $ 25.68 million to US $ 39.89 million during 2011, resulting in a favorable balance of trade for Sri Lanka” said, Kumara Semage, President of the Sri Lanka Poland Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce addressing the annual general meeting of the Sri Lanka Poland Business Council.

He also pointed out that the total imports from Poland to Sri Lanka had also shown an increase from US $ 9.63 million to US $ 11.08 million during 2011.

However, there was a dip in tourist arrivals from Poland to Sri Lanka during 2011, due to the European financial crisis. He went on to point out that the road ahead was exciting; with peace and political stability in place, the Government of Sri Lanka further strengthened its relationship with Poland.

During a recent visit to Poland, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa had identified the immense potential for Sri Lanka to transfer technology and also engage in intelligence sharing which would benefit both countries.

Minister of National Defence of Poland has also pledged to promote relations within the framework of his ministry to Sri Lanka.

He also stated that the Sri Lanka – Poland Business Council made significant progress, not only in terms of business awareness amongst the business community, but also strengthened relations with the Polish Embassy in New Delhi and Sri Lanka Embassy in Poland.

He also thanked the Consul for Poland Deshamanya Ken Balendra who closely interacts with the Council in all its activities.

“Our business council will grasp these emerging opportunities and make use of the favorable conditions to facilitate the expansion of trade, investment and tourism between our two countries,” stated Semage.