Key events to put spotlight on ASEAN as Sri Lanka’s next big opportunity

Thursday, 24 May 2018 01:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Two key events on 11 June will put a spotlight on ASEAN as the next big opportunity for a progressive Sri Lanka, with valuable insights from several international and local experts.

The Daily FT, in association with the Colombo University MBA Alumni Association, and in strategic partnership with HSBC, will hold an invitees-only CEOs breakfast forum, followed by a public forum on 11 June (Monday) at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo. The twin events are aimed at highlighting the growth and importance of the ASEAN region as an opportunity for Sri Lanka to expand export of goods and services; to promote investments to and from, as well as seek joint venture partners for technology transfer and domestic markets.

Based on larger private sector aspirations, the Government is keen to ensure Sri Lanka diversifies its exports to the ASEAN region, thereby reducing reliance on the major markets of the US and Europe. As an initial strategy, a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Singapore was signed early this year, whilst FTAs are planned or under negotiation with Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Korea, all of which are members of ASEAN. ASEAN members Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippines, Laos and Brunei are other markets with great potential.

HSBC is flying down several specialists to share valuable insights on the ASEAN market for the benefit of Sri Lankan corporates.

Experts include London-based HSBC Global Research Chief Trade Economist Douglas Lippoldt, Head of Commercial Banking International Markets in Asia Pacific Tim Evans, HSBC Bank (Vietnam) Head of Wholesale Banking Winfield WK Wong and Regional Head of Sales, Commercial Banking Global Liquidity and Cash Management, Asia Pacific Vivek Deshpande.

Additionally, Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Studies Global Economy Program Research Fellow Adam Collins will also make a presentation titled “Does Sri Lanka’s future lie with ASEAN?”

Outlining the Government policy will be Finance Ministry Advisor Deshal de Mel, whilst Hirdaramani Group Managing Director Ranil Pathirana and Expolanka Holdings Group CEO Hanif Yusuf will share private sector perspective. The two events will include an interactive panel discussion as well.

Organisers said the twin events are a must for all those who are keen to venture beyond boundaries.

For registrations call 0117515151 or 0772075252.

The event’s creative partner is Redworks Ltd and corporate e-ticket solution partner is Omentra.