China, Sri Lanka bilateral trade grows

The Chinese government is positively considering to support the reconstruction efforts of the North and East said the first secretary of the Chinese Embassy Sun Lee Dong reading out a message sent by the Chinese Ambassador Yang Xiuping at the National Business Excellence Awards organized by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL).

CBL Deputy Chairman Ramya Wickremasinghe and Group Managing Director Lakshman De Silva receive the overall award from. Commercial Counselor Zhu Jinfu and First Secretary Sun Lee Dong. While President NCCSL Lal De Alwis and Deputy Vice President Asoka Hettigoda look on. Pic: Saliya Rupasinghe

China will also continuously encourage its entrepreneurs to further strengthen cooperation with their Sri Lankan counterparts. China and Sri Lanka are time honoured friends and in the recent years with the encouragement of the two governments and the joint efforts of the business communities of both countries our bilateral economic cooperation and trade have greatly expanded.

Trade volume registered nearly US$1.7 b last year with a growth of 18%. Many important projects funded by China such as the Puttalam Coal power plant, Hambantota port Development project, National Performance Arts Theatre and the Colombo Katunayake Expressway are under construction. China will continue to provide development assistance within its own capacity in supporting Sri Lanka in its endeavour to develop the national economy and uplift the living standard of its people.

President NCCSL Lal De Alwis said that recognizing the entrepreneurs is timely after the 30 year war as it will benefit them locally and globally.

He said that the NCCSL is lobbying to restore the GSP facility as Sri Lanka cannot afford to lose it given by the EU.

The challenge faced by the country is improving the living standards of the people. He said that funds are available at the NCCSL to support SMEs around the country and this will help to increase the contribution from the provinces.

De Alwis said that 50% of the contribution is made by the Western Province while the contribution made by the other provinces are much less.

Group Managing Director of Ceylon Biscuits Ltd, (CBL) Lakshman De Silva, the overall winner of the NBEA said that ‘We are absolutely delighted with these awards’. ‘CBL’s success reflects the hard work and support of everyone in the organization. Many of the team have been with us since the early days when our product range was much smaller and has been an integral part of our evolution’.

De Silva noted that a progressive corporate culture, social responsibility and sustained growth as characteristics that best expressed the CBL corporate spirit. ‘As Sri Lanka’s leading Food Manufacturing Company we are dedicated to providing exceptional taste and nourishment to our valued and loyal customers, everyday and throughout the year’. He added that the awards were a recognition of CBL’s commitment to excellence at every level.

‘The Group performance during the last 10 years have been phenomenal with group turnover increasing from just over one billion to nearly fifteen billion in the financial year just concluded and net profit also sky rocketing during the same period twelve fold. We attribute our investments in technology, in-depth understanding of the market dynamics, continuous introduction of innovative new products, and most of all, the unwavering dedication and steadfast commitment and loyalty of our employees for this impressive performance. We are extremely happy that NCCSL has recognized our commitment to all round excellence in business activity by rewarding us with this prestigious trophy for Business Excellence.’ In addition CBL also won the Gold for ‘Business Excellence’ in the extra large category, Gold Award for ‘Business Excellence’ in manufacturing and the Silver Award for the ‘Best Capacity Builder’.

The annual National Business Excellence Awards carefully examines the performance of an organization in relation to its business and financial performance, global reach, knowledge integration, technological investments, capacity building, performance management, corporate governance and corporate social responsibility.

Outstanding results achieved by a Company on these factors determine the awards.

Sunday Observer and Daily News are the print media sponsors.

- (SG)