FCCISL represents Sri Lanka at 11th China (Sichuan) – South Asia & Southeast Asia Business Leaders’ Summit

The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), representing the Sri Lankan business community, actively promoted Sri Lanka’s business environment at the 11th China (Sichuan) – South Asia & Southeast Asia Business Leaders’ Summit held on September 15-16.

The event was organised by the CCPIT Sichuan Council and the People’s Government Sichuan Xiamen Office, and co-hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Sichuan Provincial People’s Government, SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and ASEAN-China Centre. The theme of the conference was “New Opportunities, Connectivity & Cooperation”, FCCISL said in a media release.

Along with the Business Leaders’ Summit, there were important side events. One of the side events was the China (Sichuan) – South Asia & Southeast Asia Countries Opportunities and Investment Environment Promotion Conference whilst the other side event was the Annual Meeting of China - Pakistan Business Council commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, the release said.

The business leaders’ summit and the side events were physically held in Chengdu, Sichuan, China, and all the events were broadcasted live on the online summit platform. The high-level speakers and invitees from China physically attend the events whereas the foreign speakers and invitees participated in the events virtually.

Representing the Sri Lankan business community, Ms. Shirley Jayawardane, President FCCISL, delivered the opening remarks at the 11th China (Sichuan) – South Asia & Southeast Asia Business Leaders’ Summit, while Keerthi Gunawardane, Senior Vice President FCCISL, made a country presentation on Sri Lanka at the side event, China (Sichuan) – South Asia & Southeast Asia Countries Opportunities and Investment Environment Promotion Conference.

In her remarks, Ms. Jayawardane, President FCCISL, said: “In the new normal situation of the pandemic, numerous new opportunities for business ventures are emerging especially in the fields of e-commerce, technology, and healthcare sectors. Emerging challenges can be converted to new opportunities and through enhanced regional business cooperation, our countries in the region are able to reap the benefits and jointly overcome the pandemic situation.”

Mr. Gunawardane, Senior Vice President FCCISL, in his country presentation elaborated on the Sri Lankan investment environment which is conducive for foreign investments and joint ventures. He stated that “Sri Lanka’s comparatively better education and healthcare systems, educated young labour force, rapidly developing infrastructure facilities and mineral resource endowments create a conducive environment for investments in various areas”.