CMTA Chairman invited to address Auto Trade Dialogue in Delhi

Charaka Perera receiving a token of appreciation from VE Commercial Vehicles Senior VP Bhagwan Bindiganavile

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organised an Auto Expo – The Motor Show, which is one of the major auto shows of the global auto industry, from 12 to 18 January at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR, India. The 10th Auto Trade Dialogue was also held on 14 January at the Auto Expo venue. 

Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA) Chairman Charaka Perera was invited by SIAM to speak at this global forum and to be a panellist of the event. The theme of this year’s Auto Trade Dialogue was ‘Changing Dynamics in Global Automotive Policies & Trade Practices’ and the presentation made by Perera broadly covered the domestic industry’s market trends and specifically focused on the policy initiatives that are being undertaken in Sri Lanka for the development of the auto sector in the long run. His presentation also included the diverse investment routes currently available in Sri Lanka and the merits of each route for investors. 

The speakers of the event included Ministry of Commerce and Industry Joint Secretary Dr. Hanif Qureshi, Ministry of Heavy Industries Joint Secretary Dr. Srikar Reddy, British High Commission Deputy Trade Commissioner Anna Shotbolt, German Embassy First Secretary Nathalie Gminder, SIAM Chairman and Maruti Suzuki India Executive Director Rahul Bharti, and High Commission of South Africa Deputy High Commissioner Cedrick Crowley. 

While the Auto Trade Dialog was well-participated by the key vehicle and component manufacturers, experts from UK, Europe, Germany and Japan also made presentations at the event. “It was an excellent forum to present the current state of the industry, the future market potential in the motor trade of Sri Lanka and the investment opportunities available in the auto industry to attract much needed investments to our country. As the majority of vehicles imported to SL are made in India, CMTA has been working very closely with SIAM in order to achieve alignment of automotive policies and regulations of the two countries. SIAM has guided the Indian auto industry to be the third largest market while addressing all regulatory, environmental and social aspects and SIAM has assured of their support for the development of the local auto industry,” stated Perera. 

The SIAM Auto Trade Dialogue facilitates better understanding and appreciation of the developments and needs of the automotive industries in individual countries and regions. It also enabled convergence of automobile industry issues across the world and identification of common interests. This initiative has been helping the planners, policymakers, both industry and government, to evolve strategies and understand the areas of concern for economies around the world.