Virtual dialogue Konya Chamber of Commerce and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to enhance trade and investment between Sri Lanka and Turkey

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Turkey coordinated a virtual meeting between Mr. Selçuk Öztürk, President of the Konya Chamber of Commerce and Mr. Manjula de Silva, CEO / Secretary General of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and initiated a constructive dialogue for future partnership.  

During the virtual meeting held today (28.07.2020) the President of Konya Chamber of Commerce Mr. Selçuk Öztürk and Mr. Manjula de Silva, Chief Executive Officer of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce along with the Ambassador, M.Rizvi Hassen exchanged views on ways and means to establish cooperation and highlighted the importance of connecting the members of both prominent Chambers during the pandemic to achieve a win -win situation for both the countries.

During his remarks the Ambassador briefed on the trade interactions between two countries and the importance of signing of pending  Agreements on prevention of double taxation, Agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters, Agreement on reciprocal promotion and protection of investments as soon  as possible. While noting importance creating interest and confidence of traders/investors in both countries through early conclusion of pending agreements assured expeditious action to finalize agreements pending.  The President of Konya Chamber stated that Turkey imports many Sri Lankan products through many middle countries with higher cost and bridging the gap between two countries will benefit the both importers and exporters. While stating Sri Lanka’s advantages position in the Indian Ocean as investment and trading hub, Mr. Manjula de Silva, Chief Executive Officer of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce during his remarks stated that being Ceylon Chamber of Commerce the oldest trade Chamber in Sri Lanka and biggest network among the trade chambers continued to interact with the Konya chamber to establish concrete business and trade relations.   Both the President and CEO shared information on potential sectors that two Chambers can work out strategy for future cooperation and continue business activities.  Mr. Selçuk Öztürk , President of Konya Chamber of Commerce & Mr. Manjula de Silva, Chief Executive Officer  of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce unanimously agreed on organizing virtual B2B interactions among members of two Chambers in coming weeks with the assistance of the  Embassy.

Ms. Lilakshi de Mel, Senior Assistant Secretary General of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Hüsamettin Gungor, Director Foreign Relations Konya Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Yoshitha Jayasuriya, Counselor (Commercial) of the Embassy participated at the virtual meeting.