Exclusive banking partner for ‘Island of Ingenuity’ at World Expo 2020

Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank HNB PLC partnered with the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) as the exclusive banking partner of the “Sri Lanka Export Brand” Exhibition organized by the NCE at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The trade exhibition showcases Sri Lankan Export Products and Services as well as Service Providers to Exporters and will be an ideal platform for Sri Lanka to create awareness among prospective buyers, and consumers, regarding the range of Products and Services offerings of the Country.

Sri Lanka participates at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai, held from Oct 1, 2021, to Mar 31, 2022, under the Sub Theme “Opportunity”. The Sri Lanka Pavilion, branded as the “Island of Ingenuity”, highlights the resource-rich offerings of Sri Lanka, and promotes the country as an Export Hub, driven by Innovative Products and Services, to attract Foreign Direct Investments related to Export Oriented manufacturers.

The partnership is spearheaded by HNB’s Corporate Banking Division, which is a key vertical within the Banks Wholesale Banking Group (WBG). NCE Secretary-General and CEO Shiham Marikar, HNB Deputy General Manager Wholesale Banking Group, Damith Pallewatte, HNB Head of Trade and Financial Institutions, Rozanne De Almeida and HNB Trade Specialist, Hasanthi De Silva were present at the exchange of the Partnership Agreement.

“HNB offers some of the most advanced, streamlined and reliable Trade Finance services in Sri Lanka – from complete structuring of Trade Financing facilities, issuing of Letters of Credit and Negotiation of Export documents to issuing of Shipping Guarantees and the facilitation of Entrepôt trade business. While this is an extensive array, we always seek new ways to add value to our customers’ entire supply chain.

Our uniqueness further extends to our ability to provide solutions through deep insights into customer requirements. This is underpinned by our reputation among leading global banks who collaborate with us to provide tailored solutions to all stakeholders in the value chain. Our 900+ correspondent banking network that includes all top tier banks in the world gives us the dynamism to be a true partner in progress in all our customers’ international trade requirements,” HNB Deputy General Manager – Wholesale Banking Group, Damith Pallewatte stated.

As a solution provider, HNB aspires to be the preferred bank for the discerning export community that brings valuable foreign exchange to the country. In alignment with Government and Central Bank initiatives to facilitate growth in export industries, HNB as a domestic systemically important bank (D-SIB) has launched many attractive offerings to support businesses that create value, both in terms of providing financial assistance and non-financial guidance.

This partnership is one of many strategic initiatives that HNB is planning to offer to deserving export customers to benefit the country.

(from Left) HNB Trade Specialist, Hasanthi De Silva, NCE Secretary-General and CEO, Shiham Marikar, HNB Deputy General Manager, Wholesale Banking Group, Damith Pallewatte and HNB Head of Trade and Financial Institutions, Rozanne De Almeida at the ceremony held to sign MoU.