At the inaugural speech, High Commissioner Chitranganee Wagiswara, spoke on the emphasis been placed on economic diplomacy and gave a brief introduction on growing bilateral trade and economic relations between the two countries. She encouraged the participants to look at opportunities available to pursue linkages for the benefit of both sides. Sumedha Ponnamperuma, Minister Counsellor (Commercial) did a comprehensive presentation on products that could be exported from Sri Lanka and tariff concessions under various preferential trading arrangements. In addition, he elaborated on areas that would interest Indian entrepreneurs and the incentives offered by Sri Lanka to potential Investors. While presenting the slides on tourism he also spoke on the tourist attractions and drew attention to the fact that the highest number of tourists to Sri Lanka is from India.  C.A. Hansraj Chug, the author of the Reference Manual on Foreign Trade Policy 2015 – 2020 of India made a presentation on Indian trade policy and its impact on the bilateral trade between India and Sri Lanka.  On behalf of the Indian Importers Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Abhimanyu Sing made a brief presentation on MSME SAARC Expo 2017, an exhibition organizing by the Chamber on 19th – 21st May 2017 to promote exports of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises of SAARC countries. A question and answer session was held which demonstrated the interest of the participants.

 

Approximately 70 members of Indian Importers Chamber participated in the promotional workshop.