Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in Gaziantep calls on Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Türkiye

Ambassador Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake welcomed Mr. Süleyman Çicek, Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in Gaziantep recently.

Honorary Consul Mr. Süleyman Çicek introduced information on Gaziantep which is one of the modern provinces of South-Eastern Anatolian Region and also one of the oldest of Hittite origin. Being the center of pistachio nut cultivation in Türkiye and with its extensive olive groves and vineyards, Gaziantep is one of the key agricultural processing centres of Türkiye. Besides, Gaziantep is well-known for its long gastronomic history which has been at the core of its cultural identity.   

Honorary Consul Mr. Çicek, explained the steps he has taken to prevent misuse of local tea traders misusing the lion logo and assured that he would continue to monitor the situation and the Ambassador thanked him for his prompt action.

The courtesy visit also provided the opportunity for both sides to share and exchange information on current business scope and evaluate future potential in Gaziantep in a pragmatic manner. The local businessman, Mr. Sadık Kaya who accompanied the Hony. Consul, is a trader in grain, pulses, nuts, and dried fruits.

Possibilities for importing nuts and dry fruits/vegetables, spices and tea from Sri Lanka were discussed. Considering that Türkiye is producing some of the world’s best chocolates possibility of a Turkish manufacturing company to invest in production of chocolates in Sri Lanka too was discussed. It was underscored that it is important that Embassy assists in identify reliable partners in Sri Lanka and wise versa.

Furthermore, introduction of Sri Lanka’s herbal cosmetics and herbal nutritional supplements, Ayurvedic medicine and therapy was also discussed. Ambassador assured to introduce such companies.

Ambassador Ms. S. Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake shared information on agreements that are about to be signed between the two countries which would indeed facilitate bilateral trade and investment in an effective manner, such as agreements on promotion and protecting of investment, avoidance of double taxation and custom matters.

Concluding the discussions, Mr. Süleyman Çicek reiterated his commitment to promote Sri Lanka in the region of Gaziantep to attract new trade opportunities, tourism and investment for Sri Lanka.