- The inauguration of the Qatar Sri Lanka Business Council represents a major milestone in enhancing economic ties between Qatar and Sri Lanka.
- The council is designed to act as a platform for boosting bilateral trade and fostering closer business collaborations.
- With active participation from both nations’ business communities, it aims to advance commercial relations and attract foreign direct investment.
- Key initiatives include diversifying trade, encouraging investments in Sri Lankan sectors, and supporting SMEs’ international expansion.
On Thursday, the Sri Lankan embassy in Doha hosted the inauguration of the Qatar Sri Lanka Business Council. This event marks a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between Qatar and Sri Lanka. The newly established council aims to boost bilateral trade relations and promote closer collaboration between the business communities of both countries.
A Platform for Economic Growth
The Qatar Sri Lanka Business Council is designed to serve as a platform for promoting and developing mutual investments and trade opportunities. The council’s launch event, attended by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Qatar, H.E. Mohamed Mafaz Mohideen, as well as council officials and embassy representatives, underscored its mission and future plans.
Ambassador Mohideen highlighted the Business Council’s significant role. He stated that the Business Council is not just a symbolic gesture but has substantial practical importance. It acts as a dedicated platform that strengthens economic connections, promotes business interactions, and uncovers new opportunities for growth and collaboration between the two nations.
Strengthening Trade and Cultural Ties
The ambassador emphasized the deep history of trade and cultural exchange between Qatar and Sri Lanka. He stated that the council will advance their commercial relationship. He explained that the council will create a favourable environment for increasing trade volumes.
The council will also attract foreign direct investment and explore new sectors of mutual interest. It will achieve this by encouraging direct engagement between businesses, promoting investments, and facilitating knowledge exchange.
Objectives of the Business Council
John Prasad, the President of the Qatar Sri Lanka Business Council, elaborated on the council’s main objectives. The council aims to promote bilateral trade, share investment opportunities, foster business collaboration, enhance networking, and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Prasad emphasized that the success of the council depends on the active collaboration and participation of the business communities from both nations. “By working together, we can create a dynamic and successful network that will mutually benefit our countries,” he said.
Key Initiatives and Goals
The council has outlined several key initiatives to achieve its objectives. These include:
- Enhancing and diversifying trade between Qatar and Sri Lanka to create a balanced trade relationship.
- Encouraging Qatari investments in key sectors in Sri Lanka, such as tourism, real estate, manufacturing, products, and services.
- Sharing business opportunities with the Sri Lankan business community to explore the Qatari market.
- Building a strong business network and fostering relationships between the business communities of both nations.
- Providing necessary information and groundwork for SMEs to expand into international markets.
Leadership and Structure
The Qatar Sri Lanka Business Council is affiliated with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Doha. All office bearers are Sri Lankan professionals working in various sectors in Qatar. The council’s inaugural office bearers include A.
Yoonus as Vice-President, Waruna Gunasekara as Secretary, Adil Nastar as Treasurer, and Shreen Abeysekera, Intiqab Rawoof, Tara Dias, Neomal de Silva, Chanka Dissanayake, and Saad Imthiyaz as members. The council has also launched a website detailing its objectives and various trade and investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.
The Future of Qatar-Sri Lanka Trade Relations
The establishment of the Qatar Sri Lanka Business Council marks a new chapter in the economic relationship between Qatar and Sri Lanka. By creating a dedicated platform for business interactions and fostering direct engagement, the council aims to unlock new opportunities for growth and cooperation.
This initiative is expected to attract foreign direct investment, enhance trade volumes, and explore emerging sectors of mutual interest.
The inauguration of the Qatar Sri Lanka Business Council is a pivotal moment for both countries. It symbolizes a commitment to strengthening economic ties and fostering closer collaboration between their business communities.
With a clear mission and dedicated leadership, the council is poised to drive significant growth in bilateral trade and investment, benefiting both Qatar and Sri Lanka in the years to come.
