With Australian companies increasingly eager to explore investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, trade
and investment promotion and facilitation activities can play a vital role in fast-tracking foreign direct
investment, High Commissioner for Australia in Sri Lanka Paul Stephens stated at a recent
meeting at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
Stating that Australian companies are keen to invest in industries such as mining, renewable energy and
agriculture among others, with many companies currently at various stages of the investment process,
HC Stephens said that facilitating such investment would encourage more interest in Sri Lanka as a
viable investment destination.
Responding to the High Commissioner’s suggestions, Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Vish Govindasamy highlighted several of the Ceylon Chamber’s trade facilitation and promotion
initiatives. These include the 19 dedicated Business Councils of the Chamber representing 34 countries,
that promote and facilitate cross-border trade and investment, including organizing bilateral trade
delegations, signing Memoranda of Understanding with Chambers of commerce and industry across the
globe, including in Australia, and business matchmaking and linkage services. In addition, the Ceylon
Chamber also works closely with trade and investment-related Government institutions to contribute
towards an investor-friendly environment.
Expressing appreciation for and committing to work towards enhancing the positive trade relationship
between Australia and Sri Lanka, Govindasamy also thanked the Government and the people of
Australia for the support shown to Sri Lanka during the current economic challenges.