New Zealand Trade Commissioner wants more tie-ups with Sri Lanka

The New Zealand Trade Commissioner for New Delhi and Colombo Kevin Mckenna recently visited the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to discuss ways and means of exploring potential investment and trade opportunities between Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
During the discussion held with Ceylon Chamber of Commerce CEO/Secretary General Mangala Yapa, Mckenna said that New Zealand was keen on enhancing commercial ties with Sri Lanka.

He highlighted the importance of making a strategic plan to link up businesses of both countries, which could then focus on building various economic partnerships.

“We want to come out with a strategy to link Sri Lankan and the New Zealand to explore opportunities in trade and investment,” McKenna said.

In response, Yapa said that partnerships could be built on a number of areas such as fisheries, dairy, aviation and agriculture among many others.
“Sri Lanka needs FDIs and technology to lift its export earnings, which I think are areas in which New Zealand can help us,” Yapa said.

Ruwan Rajapakse, Committee member of the Sri Lanka-Australia-New Zealand Business Council (SLANZBC), speaking during the occasion said Kiwi businesses could tap the Indian market via Sri Lanka, using the Indo-Lanka FTA and also taking advantage of the close proximity to each other.

During the discussion Consulate to New Zealand in Sri Lanka Senaka Silva said Sri Lankan businessmen are eager to meet with the possible Trade Delegation, which is expected to arrive from New Zealand to the island in the near future
Sri Lanka-Australia-New Zealand Business Council Vice President Ramya Weerakoon elaborated on the importance of business matchmaking between the two countries to focus on FDI projects funded by EU, ADB, WB and French RPE.
Senior Assistant Secretary General Lilakshini de Mel and Assistant Secretary General Cherryl Rodrigo of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, SLANZBC Committee Member Samaji Seneviratne and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Business Development Manager Irfan Jaffer were also present during the meeting.

Source-ft.lk