Stronger relationships between business and Govt. is key to meeting challenges: Callaghan

Tuesday, 19 November 2013 01:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Following is the Speech by Commonwealth Business Council Director-General Peter Callaghan at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Business Forum 2013 last week

Your Excellency, we thank you for the strong support your Government has provided to the Forum. I would like to thank Minister G.L. Pieris and Mohan Kaul who have both been actively involved in every stage of the development of this Forum. I would also like to thank Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Neomal Perara and all those who have served on the Steering Committee for the Business Forum. I also wish thank our sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible, in particular our principal sponsors Airtel, Bank of Ceylon, Ceylon Tea Board, John Keells, Sri Lanka Port Authority and Standard Chartered Bank. And a special vote of thanks to my staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure the Commonwealth Business Forum in Sri Lanka is a resounding success. It has been a privilege, as the recently appointed Director-General, to see this event come together so successfully. This Forum is the culmination of more than two years hard work and I would like to record our thanks for all those who have contributed. Flagship business event The Business Forum is the flagship business event for the Commonwealth. It provides an unrivalled platform for trade and investment promotion.

It is an opportunity for CBC to refresh its mandate from the Commonwealth Heads of Government and the business leaders of the Commonwealth. This ensures our priorities are aligned with the needs of Governments and business across the Commonwealth and beyond. The Forum brings together our business members with Government to create one of the most significant platforms for public private dialogue anywhere in the world. We are extremely grateful to the 100 plus Government and business leaders who will speak at this Forum. Every one of our 1,400 registered delegates will have the opportunity to promote their visions on how business can assist in meeting the economic and social challenges of our time. Widest participation Our delegates come from 95 countries, the widest participation we have ever had at the Business Forum. These include over 700 delegates from Sri Lanka, more than 250 from Africa, 100 from China, 150 from the UK and not to be outdone, 20 from Australia. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible over the next three days. The wide ranging attendance is recognition the Commonwealth is more relevant than ever as a trade and investment network, as a catalyst for the development of solutions that will lead to a more prosperous, more sustainable and more equitable world. Sri Lanka Your Excellency, over the next few days we are all looking forward to learning more about the development plans for Sri Lanka and its active role in the region. Our delegates will have excellent opportunities to interact and learn from the dynamic people of Sri Lanka. I am sure this will lead to a greater understanding of how the international private sector can work with your Government and the private sector, to accelerate the economic development of your nation for the benefit of all your citizens. The future The discussions and interactions we have over the following days will help refine the CBC agenda and priorities for the next two years. During the coming period I am aiming to position the CBC as the leading business guide for the Commonwealth. I expect the Business Forum will provide Governments with both innovative and practical policy solutions. Solutions to meet challenges such as employment creation, skills development, encouraging foreign direct investment, developing infrastructure, increased access to finance for developing businesses, promoting women in business, youth entrepreneurship and supporting small states. Your Excellency, creating stronger relationships between business and Government is key to meeting these challenges. Your country’s role as Chair in Office for the next two years provides an opportunity to influence outcomes in all these areas. I am already aware this has commenced with the establishment of the Commonwealth Business Women’s Sri Lanka Leadership Group. The Commonwealth Business Council looks forward to working with you and your ministers over the coming period. I encourage everyone to actively engage in the Forum for the benefit of all. I warmly thank everyone for your support of this Forum and the wider work of the Commonwealth Business Council.