Tasmania strengthens trade ties with Sri Lanka

Tuesday, 13 September 2016 00:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

First-ever Tasmanian high-level biz delegation to build strong commerce links and explore opportunities

Tasmania keen to offer expertise in vocational training, education, maritime industries and renewable energy
Tasmanian Premier says SL should capitalise on its human capital

By Charumini de Silva

The first-ever high-level business delegation led by the Premier of Tasmania hopes to initiate and establish Government, business and sporting ties with Sri Lanka.

The delegation includes Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman and Minister of State Growth, Energy, Environment, Parks and Heritage Matthew Groom, business leaders from tertiary educational and vocational training sector, renewable energy industry, maritime and advanced manufacturing industries and tourism and hospitality experts visited Sri Lanka to build strong commerce links and explore opportunities.

07-04

“The vision is to align our priorities and services with the needs of Tasmanian exporters to capture the shared opportunities that will support the next generation of Sri Lanka and Tasmania growth,” Hodgman told at a dedicated business growth forum organised by the Sri Lanka Australia New Zealand Business Council (SLANZBC) in Colombo where business leaders got together for a unique chance to exchange ideas and explore opportunities.

The Premier hoped that this first-ever visit to Sri Lanka by a Tasmanian Government official would be the beginning of partnerships that will last into the future.

First-ever Tasmanian high level business delegation in Colombo

Tasmania, Australia’s only island state is delivering significant investment in education, resources, tourism and innovation. As island economies of a similar size Sri Lanka and Tasmania share some of the similar challenges and could share their common and unique experiences together to build on respective strengths.

The meetings with Sri Lankan Government and business officials will seek to deepen economic relations while showcasing what the pristine and innovative island state of Tasmania could offer Sri Lanka expertise in areas such as vocational training, education, maritime industries and renewable energy.

Hodgman pointed out that Sri Lanka’s developing economy synergies with Tasmania notably and its relatively small size island status presents opportunities for the state.

“We have seen how Sri Lanka is beginning to position itself as a luxury tourism destination and that is something Tasmania knows quite a bit. There are some excellent opportunities for skills development in hospitality and tourism delivered by Tasmanian ROTs,” he stressed.

He added that people of Sri Lanka is one of the greatest assets the country should capitalise on in moving forward.

07-03

In addition, Hodgman said Sri Lanka was an important gateway for them to enter the Indian market via the existing free trade agreement (FTA).

Noting that the two countries currently have a modest and narrow merchandise trading relationship, he said Sri Lanka is their 14th largest export market ahead of the UK, Canada and Germany. Exports to Sri Lanka recorded AUS$ 53.7 million last year led overwhelmingly by milk and cream commodities.

“Building on our shared sporting connections including cricket and targeting the upper end of the market, Tasmania has an opportunity to be a niche provider of goods and services, as well as premium destination for international students. Being an island nation we have strong connection to the sea. There are opportunities for targeted education programs around maritime, maritime science and shipbuilding,” he explained.

07-02

Hodgman also said that Tasmania through Entura, is already contributing to Sri Lanka’s comprehensive energy reform aspirations and the development of its sustainable energy sector.

He appreciated for the support and assistance received from the Australian Government to make this mission possible.

Tasmanian Premiere along with Minister Groom met with Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva. The discussion was wide ranging on the similarities and differences of the two islands, including renewable energy and international education. The delegation was also called upon by Skills Development and Vocational Training Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe while they also met with Sri Lanka Cricket’s Vice President Jayantha Dharmadasa, Mohan de Silva and CEO Ashley de Silva.

Sri Lanka is a great long-term bet, says Tasmanian Minister

Discussions commences on maritime education and renewable energy
Eager to reinforce strong cultural ties with Sri Lanka

With Sri Lanka being an economy that is undergoing resurgence, there is a renewed sense of confidence and optimism about the future, which also has created a growing recognition for the country, a top Tasmanian Minister opined.

“We see a lot of opportunities in Sri Lanka. I think having been here on the ground that perception has been reinforced and from my perspective Sri Lanka is great long-term bet,” State Growth, Energy, Environment, Parks and Heritage Minister Matthew Groom told the Daily FT.

07-05

He cited maritime and tourism as two good examples that Sri Lanka could be confident about in terms of its future, while international education and skills development, hospitality, agriculture, aqua culture, renewable energy and manufacturing were pointed out as great opportunities for Tasmanian business community to invest in Sri Lanka.

“From a Tasmanian perspective we want to leverage on these potential opportunities. We see an opportunity for Tasmania to be part of that resurgence, part of growth in the future,” he added.

The Minister asserted that Tasmania has the capacity and the expertise to assist Sri Lanka especially in tourism and hospitality training, maritime affairs as well as in renewable energy sector.

“We paid a visit to the Malabe Maritime Campus and discussions are continuing more broadly with the University of Tasmania and a number of Government officials. There are also deliberations taking place in the areas of renewable energy. We have got all the expertise to get your problems solved,” Groom stated.

Noting that Tasmania operates over 90% on renewable energy he said it is an area they could collaborate and partner.

“I know there have been talks about an undersea cable to main land in India. We have got an undersea cable to main land Australia. We have turned energy into an export industry, where we export clean energy into the national market in main land Australia. From our perspective we see a lot of areas in common interest, opportunities and I see it as a great alignment the two countries should capitalise on,” he stressed.

Groom said in terms of business opportunities for Sri Lankans in Tasmania is more or less the same as both economies are experiencing resurgence. There’s been a lot of interest from Sri Lankan hoteliers, restaurateurs, distributors on Tasmanian produce as they have a growing reputation around the world for premium produce. It is a great export opportunity for Tasmania.

In addition the Minister said they were also keen on developing the cultural ties with Sri Lanka. “We are conscious of the fact that Sri Lanka is got a long history of cultural ties with Australia. There is a very large Sri Lankan population in Melbourne in particular and we would actually like to get a slice of that.”

The networking event was attended by Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairman Samantha Ranatunga, SLANZBC President Manjula Lanerolle and many other business leaders from both countries.

Pix by Upul Abayasekara