November 7, 2023
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6min

 



 

 

A delegation led by Lord Davies of Abersoch, UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka and His Excellency Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka visited Unilever Sri Lanka’s factory in the Horana BOI Zone recently to experience the facility’s advanced capabilities in manufacturing, social and environmental governance. The esteemed delegation was given a tour of the Horana factory to witness first-hand, the local production of some of the best-known global British brands, and understand key sustainability initiatives, community engagement activities and upskilling programmes spearheaded by Unilever in Sri Lanka. Unilever’s manufacturing journey in Sri Lanka began with the setting up of its first manufacturing facility in 1940 which was subsequently   relocated to Horana in 2012 with an investment of LKR 5 billion. In 2017, a further investment of LKR 7.5 billion was made to transform it into a state-of-the-art facility. Today some Sri Lanka’s best loved brands including Sunlight, Lux, Lifebuoy, Signal, and Pears Baby are manufactured at the Horana factory.

Lord Davies of Abersoch, UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka added, “We were amazed to see the capabilities of the Horana factory which reflect strength and innovative spirit of Sri Lanka, made possible by Unilever Sri Lanka leadership’s commitment to developing a competitive business environment and focusing on developing specialized talent and expertise. I was pleased to learn how these brands have become local household favourites and Unilever Sri Lanka’s pivotal role for over 85 years in raising the industrial sector’s contribution to the national economy. I am keen to support British companies as they look to enter or grow their existing business with Sri Lanka improving ease of doing business and to support Sri Lanka’s path towards sustainable economic recovery.”

His Excellency Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka noted, “I am happy to see Unilever Sri Lanka’s Horana factory employ some of the latest technologies and advanced solutions in the fields of manufacturing and warehousing, in addition to maintaining the high standards of sustainability and alternative energy. I am pleased that Unilever has recently laid the foundation for a new factory and invested in an ambitious solar project at the Horana factory, which further demonstrates the company’s long-term plans and commitment to the Sri Lankan market.”

Commenting on the occasion, Hajar Alafifi, Chairperson and Managing Director, Unilever Sri Lanka said, “We were honored to host the distinguished UK delegation led by His Excellency Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Lord Davies of Abersoch, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka, and other UK dignitaries at our Horana premises. Unilever is a business founded on a sense of purpose, and our unique heritage still shapes the way we do business today. We are proud to showcase to the delegation the vast strides we have made at the Horana factory for them to gain an insight into how Unilever Sri Lanka contributes to the national economy of Sri Lanka. Being in Sri Lanka for 85 years we have always focused on creating local jobs, equipping our teams with future fit skills, and continuing to develop an environment that contributes to enhancing the sector’s success based on the foundations of innovation, sustainability and ability to shape the future.”

The Horana plant is designed to tackle climate change by reducing consumption of natural resources through rainwater harvesting, waste footprint reduction, heat energy recovery, greenhouse gas reduction and the usage of renewable energy. Unilever Sri Lanka achieved a milestone in its journey towards achieving diversity and inclusion by recruiting its first-ever female workforce at Horana. Furthermore, the plant has also been honoured with the ISO 14001:2015 certification by the Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI), which recognizes the company’s commitment to identify, manage and reduce its impact on the environment from its operations, through a comprehensive Environmental Management System.

As one of the largest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies in Sri Lanka, Unilever Sri Lanka has a retail reach of over 100,000 outlets, and services the whole of Sri Lanka through a network of over 50 distributors island wide, indirectly providing employment opportunities to 3,500+ people. Its current product portfolio includes 30 market-leading brands in categories such as Home Care, Personal Care and Consumables. 97% of its products are manufactured locally, to the strictest manufacturing standards as it continues to be at the forefront of setting industry standards.

 



 

 


September 4, 2023
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5min

 



 

 

The Sri Lanka and Australia Chamber of Commerce is pleased to unveil an unprecedented initiative that promises to further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Australia. Accordingly, under the banner of “A Journey of Exploration”, an exhilarating series of events is set to unfold, as the Chamber expects to host the high-profile Australian Trade Delegation 2023. This series of events is expected to be a captivating blend of exploration, cultural immersion, and economic collaboration, designed to forge stronger bonds between the two nations.

Scheduled to run from the 4th to the 10th of September 2023, this landmark event is being orchestrated by the Sri Lanka and Australia Chamber of Commerce, in close partnership with the Victoria State Government, alongside other notable stakeholders including the Export Development Board, National Chamber of Commerce, SLASSCOM, Port City, Hatch, and Orion City. The culmination of tireless efforts, this initiative is poised to usher in a new era of prosperity for both nations.

The Australian Trade Delegation 2023 will include a distinguished roster of 11 representatives, including notable figures from the Aboriginal Economic Development Group (AEDG), the Victoria State Government, and other prominent business entities. The delegation is led by Sara Stewart, Director of the Aboriginal Economic Development Group. With avenues of exploration spanning Food, Textile, and IT, the delegates are poised to engage in transformative interactions that have the potential to reshape economic landscapes.

Commenting on the significance of this initiative, Kalum De Silva, President of the Sri Lanka and Australia Chamber of Commerce said, “Our Chamber is committed to linking the business communities of the two countries to encourage economic development, further fortifying and diversifying the strong cultural and diplomatic relationships that already exist. Through this event, we envision not only economic growth but also the cultivation of stronger bonds of friendship and understanding between our nations. This is the union of Australia’s First Nations people with the indigenous community of Sri Lanka and is a powerful testament to the enduring significance of indigenous cultures worldwide. As these two distinct yet spiritually connected communities converge, they weave a tapestry of shared wisdom, resilience, and a deep reverence for the land. We look forward to hosting the Australian Trade Delegation 2023, and giving them unique insights into what Sri Lanka has to offer Australia and the World.”

The week-long event will feature a series of exciting events. Exploring growth opportunities, the delegation will participate in discussions on mutual expansion prospects during sessions at the Export Development Board (EDB). A visit to Port City Colombo promises a glimpse into the burgeoning dynamism of Sri Lanka’s evolving infrastructure, as the Gateway to South Asia edges closer to completion. The immersive IT sector tour is set to unfold at Hatch Incubator and Orion City IT Park, giving Australians a firsthand look into the thriving tech landscape of Sri Lanka, and the expansive opportunities it presents.

Exploring collaborative opportunities, the delegation will partake in productive B2B meetings with key stakeholders across the food, textile, and IT sectors. A number of exciting cultural encounters have also been woven in, with highlights ranging from a sensory Kandy spice plantation visit to an exploration of a quaint handloom textile village. An indigenous village visit is also planned, forging a profound connection between the delegates and the local communities, underscoring the essence of unity.

The unique “Journey of Exploration” program reveals a shared vision for the future of the two nations – one marked by cooperation, cultural appreciation, and economic prosperity. As the delegates traverse this transformative voyage, they are sure to forge unforgettable memories and bonds that will significantly contribute to the ever-evolving bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and Australia.

 



 

 


September 4, 2023
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1min

 



 

 

United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) officials visited YADEN LABORATORIES PRIVATE LIMITED, a modern, state-of-the-art sterile formulation finished dosage manufacturing facility located inside the Katunayake Export Processing Zone. The visit is part of their program in Sri Lanka along with NMRA aimed to support and improve the Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical regulatory system and Quality Control.

USFDA authorities appreciated the Yaden Laboratories Pvt Ltd., for its well-maintained and sterile manufacturing facility.

Discussions on the current challenges faced by local pharmaceutical manufactures and the improvements in supply chains, were also held during the visit.

 



 

 


August 2, 2023
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3min

 



 

 

Katunayake, Sunday, July 30, 2023: The iconic Miracle Dome welcomed a delegation of more than 100 Japanese visitors on a spiritual tour of Sri Lanka. The inaugural Japanese Lily’s Spiritual Tour visited the Miracle Dome as the starting point of their spiritual journey around the island. The delegation was welcomed by the Chairman of The Glorious Church, Pastor Harin Perera, prior to the group meeting with the Sri Lankan congregation of the church.

The delegation comprises Japanese nationals from all walks of life, bound by a common goal of searching for spiritual truths and awakening. The Lily’s group is led by Yuri Fukuya, President and Representative Director of Lily’s Corporation. She, together with Ayaka Mononbe, Chords of Singers/General Association (NIGIOTO) Representative Director, performed a special song at the event. The Glorious Church and Prophet Jerome Fernando Ministries are blessed to be hosting the very first such delegation.

The Japanese Lily’s Spiritual Tour aims to bring groups of pilgrims periodically to Sri Lanka, which will be a boost for tourism in the long run. Spiritual tourism has for years seen Sri Lankans visit other countries, but this is the first time such a large delegation has visited our island nation on spiritual grounds. As we enthusiastically advocate for visitors from foreign countries through the International Visitor Programme, championed by Prophet Jerome Fernando, we anticipate that this endeavour will not only open new avenues of tourism for the nation but also foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding between our countries. The tour, which will follow suit with many others, will also bring much-needed foreign exchange to the country.

 



 

 


March 1, 2023
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8min




 

A high-level Delegation comprising members of the Netherlands Parliament paid a visit to BGMEA and held a meeting with the leadership of the association to discuss opportunities of increased collaboration to drive development of Bangladesh’s RMG industry in a more sustainable way.
The five-member delegation included Mr. Pim van Strien, MP; Mr. Alexander Hammelburg, MP; Mr. Mustafa Amhaouch, MP; Mr. Raymond de Roon, MP; and Ms. Stieneke van der Graaf, MP.
Netherlands Ambassador to Bangladesh H.E. Anne van Leeuwen, Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Thijs Woudstra, BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali and First Secretary at the embassy Mr. Bas Blaauw were also present at the meeting held on 27 February 2023 Monday.
They had discussions about potential areas of collaboration to support the industry especially in the areas of environmental sustainability – circular fashion, recycling, energy efficiency.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan gave the delegation an overview of the RMG industry including its progress in workplace safety as well as in social and environmental compliances.
He also apprised the Dutch parliamentarians of the sustainable strategic vision-2030 that aims to secure a sustainable and better future of Bangladesh’s RMG industry.
In accordance with the renewed vision, the industry had been fulfilling social, ecological and community obligations while striving to remain economically viable through innovation, digitization, diversification and being more productive, he said.
Faruque Hassan thanked the Netherlands government for supporting the Textile Technology Business Center (TTBC) at BGMEA Complex, a one-stop resource center and knowledge hub for the textile industry.
He requested the Netherlands government through the visiting Parliament Members of the Netherlands to consider an extension of the transition period of GSP (EBA) from 3 years now to 6 years for ensuring smoother graduation.
He called on the Netherlands government to extend more support to the industry in terms of knowledge, technology and funds in becoming more energy and resource efficient, recycling and other environmental areas.
He also sought cooperation of the Netherlands in developing knowledge and skills of the students of BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) in textile, apparel, fashion, design and business through collaboration with leading Dutch fashion universities and institutes.
They expressed interest in working together for the betterment of the RMG industry and wellbeing of the Workers.




February 17, 2023
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6min

 



 

 

Foreign Minster Dr. A K Abdul Momen, MP and Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad of the Republic of The Gambia met on 12 February 2023 at the State Guest House Jamuna to discuss bilateral relations and cooperation framework on peacekeeping. The Gambian Foreign Minister is leading a six-members high level delegation including the Gambian Defence Minister on an official visit to Bangladesh. The senior officials of the Bangladesh Foreign Office also attended the meeting. The visiting Foreign Minister earlier had courtesy meetings with the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,  the Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, and Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed. The high-level delegation visited Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar during the last weekend. The Gambian Foreign Minister also paid a visit to the Liberation War Museum.
Foreign Minister Momen thanked the Gambian Minister for espousing the accountability and justice matters related to the genocide perpetrated by Myanmar against the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals. He also appreciated the continued engagement of The Gambia with the legal team in the case on Rohingya in the International Court of Justice. The Gambian Foreign Minister Tangara assured of continuing mutual collaboration in working together closely to call for a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis, including their safe, dignified and voluntary return to Myanmar.
The meeting called for an acceleration of the ongoing processes of justice and accountability to address the human rights violation against the Rohingya people in Myanmar.
The two ministers committed to further strengthen the long-standing friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries and work towards maintaining peace, justice in the global arena. Both the ministers agreed to forge cooperation in potential areas including education, agriculture, IT & ICT, trade & investment and people-to-people contacts.
The meeting highlighted the importance of increased dialogue, enhanced economic, political and security cooperation in matters of mutual interest for Bangladesh and The Gambia. During the meeting, the two Ministers also discussed south south cooperation in the context of multilateral framework, close cooperation in agriculture between two countries and global scenario due to Ukraine crisis.
After the meeting, the Foreign Ministers signed a joint declaration agreeing on, among other issues, the co-deployment of the Bangladeshi and the Gambian armed forces at the UN peacekeeping missions. Earlier in a meeting at the Armed Forces Division, both sides discussed the modalities of such co-deployment.
The Gambian Foreign Minister who is visiting Bangladesh as Special Envoy of the President of The Gambia, to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina delivered a lecture on the foreign policy of The Gambia at the Foreign Service Academy (FSA) as part of Bangabandhu Lecture Series earlier in the afternoon.




January 26, 2023
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7min

 



 

 

A delegation from the embassy of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire will be visiting Sri Lanka from 31 January to 7 February. His Excellency Eric Camille N’dry, the Ambassador designated of Cote d’Ivoire to Sri Lanka, will be presenting his credentials to the President of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Ranil Wickremesinghe, while the delegation will be participating in the Conference on African Heads of Mission with the President, as well as the Independence Day celebrations.

In Sri Lanka the Côte d’Ivoire is represented by Mr Sheran Fernando, Honorary Consul.

The delegation will also be holding business meetings with a view to building collaboration and partnerships between Sri Lanka and Côte d’Ivoire.

The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire is a West African country bordering Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana.

Côte d’Ivoire is the powerhouse of the economy of French-speaking West Africa,  and is the gateway to the vast market of 15 West African States. It has recorded good economic and social performances since 2012, with an average growth rate of 8% in real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) between 2012 and 2019; 7.4% in 2021. All this is within a reliable macroeconomic environment characterized by an inflation rate remaining permanently below the community threshold of 3%.

With a view to consolidating and increasing the achievements in terms of economic, social and environmental development, the Government has decided to continue the strategic planning of its development through the establishment, since 2012, of a five-year National Development Plan (PND).

The current Plan spans over 2021 to 2025 and aims to achieve the economic and social transformation need in order to raise Côte d’Ivoire, by 2030, to the rank of upper middle-income country.

Besides, in line with its liberal policy, the Ivorian Government has made the private sector as the privileged actor of the economic growth. Indeed, the investments expected from the private sector represent 74% of the funding for the 2021-2025 NDP, estimated at 59,000 billion FCFA.

Like emerging countries, Côte d’Ivoire has undertaken significant reforms to improve its business environment in order to promote the development of a dynamic and internationally competitive private sector.

As competitive advantages, Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s largest exporter of cocoa beans and the fourth largest exporter of rubber in the world. It’s also the first producer and exporter of cashew nuts, 3rd coffee and cotton producer in Africa and the 4th palm oil producer in Africa. It also plays a key role in transit trade for neighbouring land locked countries.

Furthermore, Côte d’Ivoire’s financial sector is the largest in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). It currently has 28 commercial banks, 2 specialized financial institutes, 53 microfinance institutions, 4 mobile operators of which 3 offer money market products and 21 insurance companies as well as  a very attractive Investment Code which grants tax advantages to investors.  As such, there is no limitation on investors’ access to foreign currency and the transfer of investment-related assets is permitted, provided that it is always compliant with tax regulations.

There is a free zone (The Mahatma Gandhi Village of Information Technologies and Biotechnology – VITIB SA) which covers an area of 700 ha, in Grand-Bassam, a town located 20 minutes from Abidjan. Accreditation in this free zone allows the acquisition of premises or land, 0% taxes, 0% customs and 0% taxes.

As is evident, Côte d’Ivoire is a stable country with a growing economy. From 2012 to 2021, the economy grew to become the second-fastest rate of economic growth in Africa and fourth-fastest rate in the world. (IMF. “World Economic Outlook database: April 2022”.)

Côte d’Ivoire is a signatory to trade agreements within the African Community.

It is also a beneficiary of the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which allows the country to export a certain number of goods into the United States tariff-free.

Under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union, Côte d’Ivoire gets duty-free, quota-free access to the EU.

In 2018 Côte d’Ivoire signed the African Continental Economic Free Trade Zone (AfCFTA) agreement and in 2020 an EPA with the United Kingdom which replicates the tariff treatment under the European Union.

Côte d’Ivoire could be a gateway into the African continent for Sri Lankan businesses looking to break into the region. It’s trade agreements with the U.S, EU and U.K and the market access it provides makes it a country ripe for investment.

Pictured :  His Excellency Eric Camille N’dry, the Ambassador designate of Cote d’Ivoire to Sri Lanka and Mr Sheran Fernando, Honorary Consul Cote d’Ivoire in Sri Lanka

 



 

 


November 25, 2022
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2min

 



 

 

A high profile delegation from the Port of Colombo led by the  Chairman of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Mr. Keith D. Bernard visited Bangladesh  to further discuss  requirements of Shippers  and service providers.  Managing Director of SLPA –  Mr. Upul Jayatissa, Director (Operations) of SLPA – Mr. Lal Weerasinghe, Actg.Director (Marketing & Media) – Mr. Sarath Dayananda, the Chief Executive Officer of the South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd; (SAGT) – Mr. Romesh David, Chief Executive Officer of the Colombo International Container Terminals (LTD). (CICT) – Mr. Jack Huang and  Senior General .Manager  ( Commercial & Marketing ) of the CICT – Mrs. Catriona Jayasundera were also included in the delegation.

Prior to the visit  a meeting was held recently between the Chairman of SLPA and the Bangladesh High Commissioner H.E. Tareq Md Ariful Islam in Colombo.

At the visit, the delegation also held  discussions with trade and industry stakeholders with the aim of enhancing connectivity between Chittagong and Colombo and also developing  the networks with trade and industry stakeholders in Bangladesh to attract more volumes  at  the Port of Colombo.

 

 



 

 


November 10, 2017
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3min

Colombo, November 9, 2017 – A delegation from the Canadian branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is in Sri Lanka for a three day visit.  The multiparty delegation’s presence will strengthen bonds with an important Commonwealth partner with which Canada has deep and longstanding, economic, social and people-to-people ties.

The delegation is led by Ms. Yasmin Ratansi, MP.  She is accompanied by Mr. Matthew Jeneroux, MP, Hon. Thomas Mulcair MP, Sen. Salma Ataullahjan and Sen. Marilou McPhedran.

In welcoming the delegation, the High Commissioner of Canada, David McKinnon stated “the Government of Canada believes that the Commonwealth plays an important role in promoting and upholding its core values of respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law, which are critical for the development, prosperity and well-being of all countries.  This visit will reinforce the historic ties between our two countries and their national parliaments, and allow for an exchange views on progress on peace and reconciliation, which is crucial to Sri Lanka’s future. ”

In that regard, the Chair of the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Yasmin Ratansi MP, stated “I am pleased to be leading another delegation of Canadian parliamentarians to Sri Lanka. This will be my second visit in 2017 and I look forward to another opportunity to advance economic and political ties, discuss the role of the Commonwealth in today’s world, and to see first-hand the progress being made in reconciliation.

The delegation will meet with a range of senior ministers, officials, civil society leaders and the Canada-Sri Lanka business community. The delegation will also visit a Canadian-funded International Organization for Migration (IOM) project in Ratnapura, providing humanitarian and reconstruction support to those most affected by the devastating floods earlier this year.


October 29, 2017
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3min
    • Commerce Minister Al Thani leading a strong delegation to Colombo
    • Arriving with a 20-member team of reps from Doha
    • In-depth talks span two days
    • A One-to-One between Ministers Rishad and Al Thani also planned




Within four days of a Presidential level delegation from Sri Lanka successfully wrapping up its bilateral work in Doha, the State of Qatar is despatching an official delegation led by an influential Qatari Minister to Colombo to move bilateral trade actions forward.

Qatari Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani will be leading his 20-man delegation to Colombo for the second Joint Committee Meeting between both countries that will commence on the morning of Monday October 30 in Colombo.

This is one of the largest ever Qatari delegations to arrive in Sri Lanka for bilateral trade talks.

Sri Lanka’s Minister of industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen shall lead the Sri Lankan team at the talks. The visiting Qatari members are from various Qatari state agencies, Chambers and Doha corporates (in power, food and banking).

Both sides shall discuss bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, tourism and economic development at the two-day in-depth sessions that will conclude on 31 October. A one to one meeting between the visiting Qatari Minister Al Thani and Sri Lankan Miniser Bathiudeen is also scheduled towards the end of two-day sessions.

A high level Sri Lankan delegation led by HE President Maithripala Sirisena and joined by Minister Bathiudeen concluded their Qatari visit on 26 October.

According to the Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka, Qatar is also an important employment market -Sri Lankans mostly employed in minor job categories.





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Lanka Business News is amongst the leading online Business News portals in Sri Lanka, unique for its focus on contemporary business news relevant across multiple industries operating in the country. We present not only the news, but a perspective based on observations and possible implications of a prevailing news item. LBN also provides an insight to the impact of a global economic or industrial development, thus helping stakeholders make informed and calculated decisions.




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