Sri Lanka to improve business ties with France

Wednesday, 4 December 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lanka–France Business Council (SLFBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce organised a welcome reception for the new French Ambassador to Sri Lanka Jean-Paul Monchau. This occasion came to pass recently at Eight Degrees by the lake, Cinnamon Lakeside. The Sri Lanka–France Business Council (SLFBC) was inaugurated on 4 February, 2004, because the need for such a council was recognised by the business community carrying out trade between Sri Lanka and France.

The first President of the Council was Mahesh Amalean and the council was promoted by the then Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairman Tilak de Zoysa. The primary objective of the council was to promote trade between Sri Lanka and France. Alstom President Dilipan Tyagrajah is the current President of the SLFBC. In welcoming the Ambassador, Tyagarjah gave a brief overview of the Ambassador’s exceptional experience as a diplomat. He further highlighted on how the appointment of the highly qualified new Ambassador will

assist the French and Sri Lankan business community in terms of accentuating trade and other commercial activity between the two countries. In his address Ambassador Jean-Paul Monchau expressed comprehensive views on post-war Sri Lanka. He spoke exceedingly of the country’s economic growth, social development and the conducive atmosphere for investment which creates ample opportunities for both nations to promote business relationships. Moreover he spelled out in detail the transition of Sri Lanka into a Middle level economy and how the French Embassy together with Agence Française de Dévelopment can work together to strengthen economic and political ties with Sri Lanka towards the future. The networking evening was attended by over 60 members and dignitaries. It proved to be an idyllic setting and provided the opportunity, not only for the council members but the business community and other embassy officials to interrelate and extend a courteous welcome to the Ambassador and his wife.