Successful start for Sri Lankan-German business relations in 2019

The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) accompanied three Sri Lankan delegations to three of the world’s leading international trade fairs held in Germany from 13-19 January 2019.

 

‘IMM 2019’ trade fair in Cologne

The furniture sector in the country has lots of potential but requires international exposure and latest technologies to expand their capacities in order to enter the international market. A Sri Lankan delegation consisting of 12 members from the Sri Lankan furniture sector (exporters, manufacturers, distributors) had this great opportunity to visit the world’s largest trade fair for furniture ‘IMM 2019’ in Cologne on 14 and 15 January. IMM is purely a business to business (B2B) trade fair held in a 240,800 sq. m. space, where 1,200 exhibitors from 50 countries, and 125,000 trade visitors come together under one roof. 

The Sri Lankan delegation was warmly welcomed in Cologne by a representative of Koelnmesse with a brief introduction. During the two-day program AHK Sri Lanka organised individual meetings with international suppliers of living room, bedroom and bathroom furniture, mattresses and sleep systems, home textiles, wall coverings, floor coverings, lighting, accessories as well as bathroom fixtures and fittings. Visiting OTTO GmbH (Germany’s largest retail company for furniture) and Ambista (one of the world’s leading trading platforms) at the trade fair was another highlight for the Sri Lankan delegation. Delegates from RM Furniture, Alucare, A Wood Lanka, Creation Master Builders and State Timber Corporation were forming this Sri Lankan delegation.

 

‘BAU 2019’ trade fair in Munich

Infrastructure and high-rise buildings are currently developing in the country and AHK Sri Lanka was delighted to accompany a high-ranking business delegation (13 members) for the first time to the world’s Leading trade fair for architecture, materials and systems in the construction industry ‘BAU 2019’ in Munich, Germany. Chairman, CEOs, Directors of the leading local construction companies such as Sanken, ICC, LTL Holdings, Siam City, Alucare, and Solico International were present at the BAU 2019 on 16 and 17 January. BAU is an international trade fair with more than 25000 visitors, and 2000 exhibitors from 42 countries. 

Once again, the Sri Lankan delegation was warmly welcomed by the director of BAU 2019. During the two-day program AHK Sri Lanka organised more than 10 individual meetings for the delegation with potential partners from all over the world. Focus areas of these meetings were transfer of know-how, latest technology, latest materials and latest safety equipment used in construction sector. Furthermore, the Sri Lankan delegation not only had the privilege of meeting the CEO of German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) but also had the opportunity to establish a bilateral platform with the local construction chamber. 

 

‘International Green Week’ in Berlin

Following the two delegations to IMM and BAU, AHK Sri Lanka accompanied a delegation to the 84th International Green Week (IGW) in Berlin. IGW is the world’s leading trade fair for food, agriculture and gardening industries with 1715 exhibitors from 65 countries, 630 media representatives, and 400,000 visitors covering total area of 115,200 sq. m. at Messe Berlin Germany from 18 and 19 January. The two-day program consisted of individual meetings, visit to country pavilions, as well as the introduction to potential buyers and distributors. Intense discussions with CLAMA and IPD regarding the potential for products such as organic tea, organic coconut products and spices posed a great opportunity for the company.

As the official representative of German-Sri Lankan business relations, AHK Sri Lanka is always committed to enhance business opportunities for both countries. In the past AHK Sri Lanka organised several in-bound and out-bound delegations covering various business sectors and it will continue to fulfil its main objective of supporting business in both countries.