APEA, unique opportunity to boost business

Sri Lankan entrepreneurs could excel in international trade by displaying their potential at the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards (APEA) to be held in February next year, said Sri Lanka National Organiser APEA, Ananda Rajapaksa at a ceremony to launch the awards on Wednesday.

NDB Bank CEO, Russel de Mel presents the sponsorship cheque to Enterprise Asia Country Director, Ananda Rajapaksa. Pic: Sumanachandra Ariyawansa.

He said APEA is a unique opportunity for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to show their potential and boost businesses. Sri Lanka has great entrepreneurs who are recognised globally.

APEA is a regional program for outstanding entrepreneurs across Asia. It is a platform for business leaders to network and form alliances.

"Sri Lanka should focus on Asia for exports as US and Europe economies are facing turmoil", Rajapaksa said. Earnings from exports and expenditure on imports increased on a year-on-year basis in July. Earnings from exports reached $ 958m in July this year, a Central Bank report said.

Rajapaksa said that APEA 2012 will be held in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, South Korea, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Brunei, Macau, China, India and Sri Lanka will take part in the awards from next year.

Enterprise Asia, a non governmental organisation for entrepreneurs based in Malaysia is the owner and organiser of the APEA since 1997.

The Asia Pacific region accounts for a major share of the world economy. The per capita income in Malaysia is over $ 9,000m. The foreign direct investment to Malaysia has surpassed $ 8b this year.

Sri Lanka-Malaysia Business Council (SLMBC) President, Dushy Jayaweera said that there is huge potential for trade between Sri Lanka and Malaysia and added that the awards of this nature will help build links for trade and investment.

SLMBC promotes trade between Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The council was set up in 1994. Sri Lankan corporates with a turnover of over Rs. 50m are eligible for the awards which will be held on February 12, 2012 at Hotel Hilton.