Netherlands Embassy to hold two more webinars on sustainable trade, investments

An online discussion on unlocking the opportunities to grow sustainable trade and investment between the Netherlands and Sri Lanka by introducing the key agencies and organisations that provide guidance and practical support to entrepreneurs seeking connections, partners and investors was held on 25 January.

This webinar, facilitated by European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (ECCSL), was the first in a series of three and was organised as a part of the program to celebrate the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations between The Netherlands and Sri Lanka. 

The eminent panel of speakers participating were BOI Chairman Raja A. Edirisuriya, BOI Executive Director – Investment Promotion Prasanjith Wijayatilake, EDB Director – Market Development Anoma Premathilake, Sri Lanka Benelux Business Council President Maahen Kariyawasan, and Invest International – Netherlands Investment Manager Miriam Valstar.

Speaking from the Netherlands, Valstar explained that Invest International supports companies linked with the Netherlands to do business in Sri Lanka in a sustainable way. Edirisuriya said that the BOI facilitates individual companies investing in Sri Lanka, including guidance on the legal framework. 

Premathilake explained that the EDB is a trade promotion organisation and plays the role of a mentor and a facilitator in reaching new markets and identifying industry trends including on sustainability for which they are planning awareness sessions. Kariyawasan stressed that the Benelux Council encourages their members to practice sustainable initiatives while it engages in matchmaking between Sri Lankan and Benelux companies. Companies are encouraged to reach out to these organisations for support to deepen trade relations between Sri Lanka and The Netherlands.     

The event also launched the ‘Sustainable Mobility’ call for proposals, where the Netherlands Embassy is calling for ideas on practical solutions that would help stimulate work-home cycling at workplaces in Sri Lanka. 

The next sustainable trade webinars, focusing on specific sectors, are scheduled for 15 February and 1 March. For more information on the call for proposals and upcoming webinars, please visit www.facebook.com/NLambassadeColombo.