Qatar Minister to promote trade with Lanka

In a bid to encourage business opportunities between Qatar and Sri Lanka, State Minister for International Co-operation of Qatar, Dr. Khalid Bin Mohammad Al-Attiyah led a delegation with officials of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and met members of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and members of the Sri Lanka Africa and Middle East Business Council to explore business opportunities and strengthen bilateral co-operation between the two countries. The meeting took place on April 3 at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce auditorium.

The main objective was to discuss expansion of bilateral trade promotion and trade between Sri Lanka and Qatar, identify opportunities available in the trade sector and to invest in the agriculture sector.

It was a platform that helped Chamber members to explore business opportunities, exchange valuable experience with the delegates as well as network and establish contacts with industry professionals.

Qatar and Sri Lanka share a strong trade relationship, however the Balance of Trade has remained in favour of Qatar up to date. Sri Lanka exports edible fruits and nuts, black tea, rubber and rubber products, edible vegetables, edible preparations, wood and wood products and precious and semi precious stones while importing plastic and plastic products, urea and cotton from Qatar.

"Many of our members are engaged in trade with Qatar; however there is ample room to further develop the trade between the two countries and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is committed to ensuring the success of such trade development", said Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Jayampathi Bandaranayake.

"We would like to request your Excellency's assistance in furthering Sri Lanka's development goals, particularly through bringing in much needed foreign investment to the country", he added.

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce entered into a MOU with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry during a mission to Qatar in December 2007.