New Zealand Trade Commissioner visits CCC

The New Zealand Trade Commissioner for New Delhi and Colombo, Kevin Mckenna, recently visited the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) to discuss potential investment and trade opportunities between Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

During the discussion with CEO and Secretary General of the Chamber, Mangala Yapa, Mckenna said that New Zealand was keen on enhancing commercial ties with Sri Lanka.

"We hope to launch a strategy to link Sri Lanka and New Zealand to explore opportunities in trade and investment," McKenna said.

Yapa said that partnerships can be built in a number of areas such as fisheries, dairy, aviation and agriculture.

"Sri Lanka needs FDIs and technology to lift its export earnings, which I think is an area that New Zealand can help," Yapa said.

Committee member, Sri Lanka-Australia-New Zealand Business Council (SLANZBC), Ruwan Rajapakse said that Kiwi businesses can tap the Indian market via Sri Lanka, using the Indo-Lanka FTA and also take advantage of the close proximity to each other.

Consulate to New Zealand in Sri Lanka, Senaka Silva said that Sri Lankan businessmen are eager to meet the New Zealand trade delegation, expected to arrive in the island soon.