Dutch dairy delegation visits Sri Lanka

Thursday, 11 June 2015 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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On 8 and 9 June a Dutch delegation of dairy companies and training institutes visited Sri Lanka. The primary focus of the visit was to explore potential investments and opportunities in the dairy sector.

The delegation was led by the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs Director International Agriculture Sara Knijff. Building on the many decades of cooperation between The Netherlands and Sri Lanka, the Netherlands Embassy has recognised the large potential for cooperation in the dairy sector. The delegation went on field visits to understand what the dairy business entails in Sri Lanka and met with many local companies and organisations to find out where cooperation will be beneficial to all parties. They attended a trade seminar on 9 June to meet with dairy sector policy makers, industry players and academics. This was followed by a matchmaking session organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce where the members of the delegation met with local companies from the sector.

The Netherlands is well known for excellent achievements in agriculture. The Dutch are the second largest exporter of agricultural products worldwide, including famous Dutch dairy products such as cheese and condensed milk. In the growing global market Dutch dairy is renowned for quality products and innovations. In Sri Lanka dairy production is equally important for the country’s economy and the people’s well-being.

However, the supply of the Sri Lankan fresh dairy production cannot yet meet the demand for milk, yoghurt and other products. Therefore large quantities of milk powder have to be imported. This is where Dutch companies and organisations can share expertise and provide the necessary training and equipment, be it for fodder, cooling facilities, construction of stables or milking equipment.

“This visit should result in long term business activities which will contribute towards economic development in Sri Lanka and the Netherlands,” Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Louis Piët said.

Sri Lanka and the Netherlands have a history of working together in the dairy sector. In the past the focus was on development cooperation and knowledge exchange. Many senior Sri Lanka government officials have benefited from training in the Netherlands. Today the Dutch no longer provide development cooperation to Sri Lanka but focus on building and strengthening economic ties. This focus is beautifully reflected in the Embassy’s slogan; Sri Lanka – the Netherlands; Old Friends – New Trends. For more information on this visit please contact the Embassy; [email protected].