Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena urged the South Asian entrepreneurs to focus on innovative new products and services to enhance regional economic cooperation. Addressing the first South Asian Trade Fair 2024 at Excel World Colombo Convention Centre today (August 2), he said the stronger connectivity with neighbouring regional markets such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries would boost trading and investment cooperation.
The Prime Minister pointed out that largest tea producer and exporter is South Asia and the regional countries should cooperate to obtain maximum benefits in tea industry. He said there are many such common products where innovative methods cound enhance ability to compete in international markets.
“The Trade Fair and Business Forum has a larger purpose that goes beyond any individual business or organization’s interest. This is a forum to achieve objectives of promoting socioeconomic cooperation and strengthening trade relations among South Asian countries,” he said.
He added that this forum gives an immense opportunity for trade and businesses in South Asia to showcase their products and services to grow beyond their usual parameters as it creates a platform for expanding their international trade at the export markets in South Asia and beyond.
Referring to Sri Lanka’s recovery, he said some countries and international fiscal institutions had stopped dealing with Sri Lanka in 2022, he said that they have started to open their doors again. The latest examples are Japan, which has agreed last week to resume all the projects in Sri Lanka and also to explore new ventures.
“It is a pleasure for me to welcome all these investors and trading partners from our South Asian neighbors belonging to SAARC - India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Nepal - as well as some observers such as China.” He said.
A special commemorative stamp and a first day cover was issued to mark the opening of South Asia Trade Fair 2024.
Secretary General of SAARC, Md. Golam Sarwar, President of SAARC CCI, Md Jashim Uddin, FCCI President Keerthi Gunawardane, FCCI President and other members of the Chambers, High Commissioners and Ambassadors of South Asian countries and leading chamber representatives attended the opening of the South Asia Tarde Fair.
Prime Minister’s Media