New Zealand values Sri Lanka's transhipment hub

New Zealand has recognized Sri Lanka as one of the rising stars of Asia. Trade has increased considerably, from milk to IT, from modern farming to using the strategic location of Sri Lanka and a comparatively good infrastructure and International Trade Agreements to move the goods of New Zealand to lucrative larger markets such India and the Middle East, Consul General of Sri Lanka to New Zealand Senaka Silva told the 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sri Lanka-Australia-New Zealand Business Council (SLANZBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) recently.

The newly elected President Manjula Lanerolle, Managing Director of Glolan International (Pvt) Ltd said the main objectives of SLANZBC are to promote bilateral trade, investment, technical and economic co-operation, tourism and services between Sri Lanka and Australia and Sri Lanka and New Zealand, and also the setting up of Joint Ventures.

He stressed the need for SLANZBC to serve as a recognized representatives of business sector interests in Sri Lanka with the support of High Commission of Australia and New Zealand Consulate in Sri Lanka whilst maintaining a good rapport with the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, Department of Commerce, Export Development Board and AUSTRADE and AusAID.

Consul General of Sri Lanka to New Zealand Senaka Silva said, "New Zealand has recognized Sri Lanka as one of the rising stars of Asia. Trade has increased considerably, from Milk to IT, from modern farming to using the strategic location of Sri Lanka and a comparatively good infrastructure and International Trade Agreements to move the goods of New Zealand to lucrative larger markets such as India and the Middle East". High Commissioner of Australia in Sri Lanka, Bryce Hutchesson said both countries work together with an ambition to build the Australia-Sri Lanka economic relationship.

This vision has been pushed through, in three ways, he said. First, by building the relationship through making the most of the trade that both the countries already have. Second, building the future relationship by finding new areas of trade. Finally, growing the trade relationship to entirely new levels through investment and innovation.