Commonwealth Biz Forum to be launched by President

Thursday, 11 October 2012 00:34 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The 13th Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) is to be launched today by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The theme of the CBF 2013 will be ‘Partnering for Wealth Creation and Social Development – The CW, Indian Ocean and SAARC’. It will highlight global economic partnerships for trade and investment, providing an opportunity to attract an important business and trading audience to Colombo, noted Commonwealth Business Council Director General Dr. Mohan Kaul.

He made these statements to Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, during his courtesy call on Bathiudeen. Visiting Dr. Kaul was leading a team to Colombo to take part in the Colombo 2013 campaign launch event by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The 2013 CBF is scheduled to be held on 15, 16 and 17 November.

“The 54-member country backed Commonwealth Business Forum will be looking at both traditional and non-traditional trade linkages for the participants. As many emerging markets are transforming into real markets, it is time the Commonwealth knows what Sri Lanka’s business priorities with its member nations and vice-versa. There will also be a trade fair where Sri Lankan manufacturing and exports will be displayed for the international business visitors,” Dr. Kaul added.

There is also scope for mutual exchanges between commonwealth countries. “For instance, there is strong need of know-how, training and technology for Nigeria’s apparel and textile sector which Sri Lanka can readily and profitably fulfil. In fact, the 600 million middle class in Africa is a very promising market for emerging economies such as Sri Lanka,” Dr. Kaul stressed.

Responding to Dr. Kaul, Minister Bathiudeen remarked: “CBF 2013 will be a great opportunity for Sri Lanka’s trade, exports and manufacturing, especially at a time of negative global business climate. We warmly welcome the Commonwealth trade delegations to Sri Lanka. I, together with all departments and advisory committees of my Ministry, are pleased to extend the maximum support to your initiative, which will place Colombo on the international trade map again following the successful international Expo 2012 held in Colombo last March.”