‘Sri Lanka-France Business Forum’ in Pairs led by Sujeewa Senasinghe

‘The Sri Lanka-France Business Forum’ with the participation of eight Sri Lankan companies and over 20 French participants was held on 11 October at the French Business Confederation – MEDEF International in Paris. The event was co-organised by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in France, Export Development Board and Sri Lanka-France Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.  

The Forum was graced with the presence of State Minister of International Trade of Sri Lanka Sujeewa Senasinghe. Ambassador of Sri Lanka to France Buddhi Athauda, Sri Lanka Export Development Board Director General Jeevani Siriwardena, Sri Lanka-France Business Council President Dr. Asanka Ratnayake, Central Bank of Sri Lanka Deputy Director Dr. Anil Perera, Embassy of Si Lanka in France First Secretary (Commercial) Chandima Abeyrathna, VICAT Chairman and CEO Guy Sidos, and MEDEF Director Geraldine Lemble were also present. 

Ambassador Athauda, highlighted that over $ 5 billion worth of potential opportunities are available between Sri Lanka and France with recent economic growth and the new policy changes of Sri Lanka. Delivering his speech, Senasinghe highlighted that Sri Lanka is currently experiencing strong economic growth compared to past few years and stressed the importance of strengthening the bilateral relationships between France and Sri Lanka. Minister expressed that EU GSP+ will definitely lead to increased imports in sectors of Apparel and Fishery products to the French market. 

Minister Senasinghe had bilateral meetings with MEDEF International CEO Philippe Gautier and Nelly Rodi, delegate of President of Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) – Paris. 

CCI – Paris offered their fullest support to organise a Forum and link the businessmen between the two countries in the future with collaboration of other French trade promotional institutions for mutual benefit of the two countries.