SLANZBC Commemorates 25 Years of Promoting Bilateral Trade and Cooperation

The Sri Lanka Australia and New Zealand Business Council (SLANZBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently hosted an evening of business promotion and networking to commemorate 25 years of facilitating bi-lateral trade and cooperation between Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand.

While welcoming the first resident High Commissioner of New Zealand in Sri Lanka, His Excellency Michael Appleton, the event also commemorated 75 years of warm relations between Sri Lanka and Australia, while giving attendees the opportunity to interact with them as well as address questions about trade and investment opportunities in the two countries.

H C Appleton told the gathering that establishing a mission in Sri Lanka signals New Zealand’s desire to further trade and economic relationships between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, by exploring emerging opportunities in sectors such as education, and exchanging expertise in sustainability initiatives.

Hailing SLANZBC as continuing to be the leading organisation in Sri Lanka for developing business interests between Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand, High Commissioner of Australia in Sri Lanka, H.E. David Holly highlighted that this year also marks the 75th anniversary of official diplomatic relations between Australia and Sri Lanka. Referencing Sri Lanka’s attractive regional positioning and ‘fast-growing collaboration in the areas of education, tourism, trade, defence, sport, development and border security’ he added that ‘investors are interested in Sri Lanka’s attractive regional positioning and key growth sectors, such as mineral resources, renewable energy, water infrastructure, logistics, agriculture and education.

President of the SLANZBC Ruwan Rajapakse stated that ‘as one of the oldest business councils established under the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, SLANZBC continued to facilitate business networking through regular councils, seminars, forums and signing MOUS with relevant associations and Chambers, providing opportunities to enhance cooperation in the areas of education, trade and knowledge partnerships’.