By: Staff Writer
October 24, Colombo (LNW): In a significant development aimed at enhancing economic ties between Sri Lanka and Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Export Development Board (EDB) organized a milestone Roadshow on October 11, 2024, at The Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo. This event served as a platform for businesses from both regions to explore new market opportunities, form strategic alliances, and expand their global presence.
The HKTDC, a renowned statutory body committed to promoting and developing Hong Kong’s trade, operates through a network of 50 offices globally. Known for organizing international exhibitions, conferences, and business missions, the HKTDC plays a crucial role in helping Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) penetrate new markets.
The Roadshow marked the continuation of a long-standing partnership between the EDB and HKTDC, focusing on empowering Sri Lankan businesses to explore new markets and form meaningful global partnerships.
Over the past decade, the EDB and HKTDC have collaborated on numerous impactful initiatives, including trade fair participation and buyer missions. These efforts have enabled Sri Lankan exporters to successfully enter the Hong Kong market, one of Asia’s premier financial and trading hubs.
The relationship between the two regions has continued to thrive, with Sri Lanka exporting goods worth USD 163 million to Hong Kong in 2023. Key exports included tea, apparel, gems, diamonds, and fishery products.
In return, Sri Lanka imported goods from Hong Kong valued at USD 190 million, with electrical machinery, mechanical appliances, and specialty fabrics topping the list.
On October 9, 2024, HKTDC representatives, including Ms. Vian Cheung, Consultant and Officer-in-Charge for Thailand & South Asia, and Mr. Samuel Cheng, Associate Director for Exhibitions and Digital Business, held discussions with EDB officials to explore further collaboration.
Their meeting focused on expanding trade relations and identifying new areas for partnership, particularly in exhibitions and exporter development programs.
The October 11 Roadshow attracted around 80 representatives from various Sri Lankan industries, including apparel, fashion accessories, ceramics, spices, electronics, ICT, gems, jewelry, and many more.
A notable highlight of the event was a presentation by Ms. Cheung and Mr. Cheng, who outlined the immense opportunities available for Sri Lankan exporters in Hong Kong’s dynamic market.
With years of collaboration as a foundation, the EDB is confident that Sri Lankan companies will not only expand their range of exports but also tap into new sectors such as IT, logistics, and professional services.
This partnership with HKTDC offers Sri Lankan businesses a crucial platform to thrive in one of the world’s most competitive markets.
