‘Lanka never in short of good and dynamic business leaders’
Shirajiv Sirimane
“With development in business sector in Sri Lanka, the country is
never in short of good and dynamic business leaders and entrepreneurs. I
believe the judges had a very hard time to short list the nominees for
this award. Judges have to choose the best among the best entrepreneurs.
I believe those who have been short listed are also winners, said
Malaysian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Azmi Zainuddin, speaking at
the APEA award ceremony.
Zainuddin said that peace and stability were very important for
economic development of any country. “The economic development of this
country has recorded a significant growth of around 8% in the past few
years. Last year Sri Lanka was able make a steady GDP growth of 6.8%.
The stable post war economic development experienced by Sri Lanka has
significantly contributed toward an upward trend in the number and
volume of trade and business with other countries,” he added.
“Today, Sri Lanka as a nation and its entrepreneurs as a community
need international recognition and good publicity to closely interact
with other Asian entrepreneurs and business leaders who are among the
top investors and influences of the Asian countries. APEA has been a
great platform for this purpose.
“Entrepreneurs are very important for a community or a country. They
create products, services and jobs. They expend economies, improve
people's lives and bring about positive competition.
A competitive environment in turn gives rise to further innovations
and entrepreneurial drive. Asia is a dynamic place; with boosting rapid
economic growth and becoming a leading economic power. It has created
challenges and opportunities for businesses.
The APEA has now become one of the premier recognitions for
outstanding entrepreneurs in the region since its inception in 2007 and
now span a network of not less than 18 countries and regions in Asia
Pacific. It also serves as a platform for Asia entrepreneurs to network;
share information and form life time acquaintances and alliances,” he
concluded.
“Across the Indian Ocean Sri Lanka Business has a great opportunity
to feed link into the supply chains of South Indian states due to
facilitation of trade agreements and easy reach,” said Chairman NDB,
Hemaka Amarasuriya. “We urge the various chambers of commerce and trade
associations to act as a catalyst and move towards facilitating this
process of connectivity between small and big business across the Palk
Strait,” added Amarasuriya. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Neomal
Perera was the chief guest.
APEA 2013 winners |
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