By: Staff Writer
January 05, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh, as part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Economic Diplomacy Initiative, organized a high-impact trade, investment, and tourism promotion forum in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province on December 18, 2024.
Held at the Ashqariya Chamber of Commerce, the event aimed to showcase Sri Lanka’s export potential, investment opportunities, and tourism attractions to Saudi stakeholders. The forum also featured a catalogue exhibition, offering a closer look at Sri Lankan products and services, while emphasizing collaboration opportunities between the two countries.
The Vice Chairman of Ashqariya Chamber, Hamad Alamar, welcomed the initiative, commending the embassy for fostering economic cooperation and reaffirming the Chamber’s commitment to strengthening private-sector partnerships between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad, in his inaugural address, highlighted the deep-rooted historical trade ties and people-to-people connections between the two nations.
He underlined the vast, untapped potential for trade and investment collaboration and encouraged Saudi travel companies to capitalize on Sri Lanka’s booming tourism sector.
Stressing the need for improved information sharing and bilateral engagements, the ambassador called for regular forums like this to address the knowledge gap and facilitate stronger business-to-business (B2B) relationships.
The forum featured key presentations by prominent Sri Lankan institutions, including the Board of Investment (BOI), Export Development Board (EDB), Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, and Colombo Port City. These presentations offered in-depth insights into Sri Lanka’s trade, investment, and tourism sectors.
Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Mangala Wijesinghe, virtually presented an overview of the country’s diverse export potential, focusing on key sectors relevant to Saudi investors. Acting Director of the Market Development Division, Saumya Kannangara, followed with detailed insights into each sector.
Buddhika Hewawasem, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, emphasized Sri Lanka’s appeal as a travel destination, citing global accolades that named it the “most desirable island” for tourism. Meanwhile, BOI Executive Director Prasanjith Wijayatilake highlighted investment incentives in sectors ranging from manufacturing to renewable energy, appealing directly to Saudi investors.
Colombo Port City (PCC) Executive Director, Shalaka Wijeyaratne, outlined lucrative investment opportunities within the Port City, a 269-hectare reclaimed land project serving as a multi-service Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The event attracted a significant number of Saudi business leaders, providing a platform to explore trade, investment, and tourism opportunities in Sri Lanka. The accompanying catalogue exhibition facilitated direct engagement between Saudi participants and Sri Lankan businesses, paving the way for potential collaborations.
In a bilateral meeting held prior to the forum, Ambassador Ajwad met with Ashqariya Chamber Chairman Dr. Bader S. AlReziza, Vice Chairman Hamad Alamar, and Secretary General AbdulRahman bin Abdullah Al-Wabel. Discussions centered on enhancing economic ties, with senior embassy officials Mohamed Anas and Tashma Vithanawasem in attendance.
The forum concluded successfully, underscoring the potential for Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia to expand their partnership in trade, investment, and tourism.
