The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka–Greater Mekong Business Council (SLGMBC), recently concluded a highly successful business promotion mission to Thailand from 16th to 19th October 2024. The mission was organised to coincide with the LogiMAT Southeast Asia and LogiFOOD Southeast Asia 2024 Exhibition at BITEC Bangna, providing Sri Lankan delegates with opportunities to explore new business avenues and establish valuable connections.
The primary objective of the mission was to maximise the benefits of the Free Trade Agreement signed between Sri Lanka and Thailand, which will take effect in January 2025. Additionally, the mission focused on foreign direct investments, strengthening business ties, and expanding trade opportunities between the two countries. The delegation comprised 11 business professionals from Sri Lanka, representing industries such as pharmaceuticals and healthcare, tourism, agriculture, logistics, distilleries, apparel, gems and jewelry, food and beverages, and micro-financing.
The delegation was led by Mr. Buwanekabahu Perera, Secretary General and CEO of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Mr. S.M.D. Suriyakumara, President of SLGMBC in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Thailand, receiving enthusiastic support and guidance from Her Excellency Ms. E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand.
The programme featured a series of strategic meetings and networking events aimed at advancing Sri Lankan business interests. The delegates participated in interactive sessions with industry leaders, gaining practical knowledge about real-time industrial operations in the region. The itinerary also included meetings with representatives from The Thai Chamber of Commerce/ Board of Trade of Thailand, and the Thai–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce to identify mutual interests and explore ways to enhance trade between the two nations.
Mr. Perera and Mr. Suriyakumara engaged in discussions with the Board of Trade of Thailand and the Thai – Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce to optimise the benefits of the upcoming Free Trade Agreement for both countries. The delegation also participated in B2B meetings facilitated by the Board of Trade of Thailand and the Thai–Sri Lankan Chamber of Commerce, exploring business development opportunities across various sectors.
Additionally, the delegates visited the Amata Nakorn Industrial Estate and the Srithai Superware Factory, gaining insights into Thailand’s industrial practices and identifying potential areas for technological and business collaboration.
The mission facilitated productive discussions centered on key business opportunities beneficial to both Sri Lankan and Thai enterprises, providing a platform to better understand the market, expand business networks, and explore avenues for trade and investment.
The delegation included representatives from leading Sri Lankan companies:
• Maliban Bioventures (Pvt) Ltd
• Lanka Hospitals PLC
• MAC Holdings (Pvt) Ltd
• John Keells Holdings PLC
• NMK Holdings (Pvt) Ltd
• SAJ Associates (Pvt) Ltd
• Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC
• Senkadagala Finance Company PLC
• VA Distilleries (Pvt) Ltd
The mission was coordinated by Amanthi Silva from The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. For details regarding membership in the Council, please contact the Secretariat of the Sri Lanka–Greater Mekong Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce via email at bizpromo@chamber.lk or telephone at +94 11 5588829 / 5588800.