China assures further strengthening biz ties with Sri Lanka

“Sri Lanka – China Business linkages will be further strengthened in the years to come” said the newly appointed Commercial Counselor Wang Yingqi for China at the interactive session organised by the Sri Lanka – China Business council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently.

The interactive session focused on export opportunities and challenges in the Chinese Market for Sri Lankan exporters. Sri Lanka – China Business Council President Prabath Harshakumar stated that Sri Lanka has achieved remarkable growth during the past few years showing positive results of increased export volumes to China. He also mentioned that Sri Lanka’s Tourism sector has shown positive growth of tourists visiting Sri Lanka from China. In year 2011, total number of Chinese tourists arrived in Sri Lanka exceeded 16,000 arrivals compared to 10,430 in year 2010.

“This is a positive sign that Chinese travellers have now included Sri Lanka in their travel itineraries and we anticipate further increase of tourist arrivals from China during the year 2012,” said the President addressing the well attended gathering.

The Sri Lanka-China Business Council established on 26 April, 2001 was formed under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. The Council was formed at the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the main objective of promoting trade, investment, services and tourism between Sri Lanka and China. As at end May 2012, the number of members of the council stands at 108.