Media Release
Minister of Foreign Affairs engages in a discussion with Key Business
Chambers
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, met with Presidents, Secretaries General, senior
officials and business leaders representing a large number of export-oriented organizations and
chambers of commerce on 12 October 2022 to discuss and expound the opportunities and
potential for exporters as well as the challenges that they confront in exporting goods and
services of Sri Lanka, amongst others. Foreign Secretary Ambassador Aruni Wijewardane and
other senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs participated in the discussion at the
meeting with Minister Ali Sabry.
This meeting with the private sector corporates and chambers was hosted by the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs in order to obtain views, ideas, and propositions on the most efficacious courses
of action that the Ministry could assist and facilitate the business community to develop their
business endeavors and boost exports. Addressing the gathering, the Minister of Foreign
Affairs stated that the Ministry is committed to cooperating with the private sector, chambers and
to support their business endeavors, thus accruing much-needed economic advancement and
provide assistance to the export sector of the country. He assured that all Missions which are
under the purview of the Ministry, would assist and facilitate the private and corporate sector
in realizing their economic and trade objectives and continuing to engage professionally with the
the private sector in connecting them to openings overseas.
Participating organizations and chambers who expressed their views added that the successful
conclusion of free trade agreements (FTAs) with key countries should be considered as a
priority of the Foreign Ministry, at this juncture, in order to aggrandize and boost exports. They
also expressed that the Government should adopt a well-structured mechanism to address
issues arising from negative media coverage, thus enhancing the image and profile of the
country.
The meeting was attended by over 20 leading chambers of commerce and export-oriented
organizations including the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the National Chamber of Commerce,
Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sri Lanka Exporter’s Association, Tea
Trader’s Association and Sri Lanka Apparel Exports Association, Joint Apparel Association
Forum, amongst others.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
12 October 2022
