The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) successfully organized a session on strengthening bilateral trade opportunities between Sri Lanka and Romania on August 09, 2024, at the National Chamber Auditorium. The session was graced by Her Excellency Steluta ARHIRE, Ambassador of Romania to Sri Lanka and Maldives, as the Guest Speaker and Her Excellency M. E. M. Joseph Weninger, the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Romania. Further, the NCCSL also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry to further foster trade relations between the two countries.
Mr. Deepal Nelson, President of the National Chamber, warmly welcomed Her Excellency Steluta ARHIRE, Ambassador of Romania to Sri Lanka and Maldives and Her Excellency M. E. M. Joseph Weninger, the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Romania, who joined the session virtually from Bucharest. There were officials representing the Sri Lankan Embassy in Romania and the Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In his address, Mr. Nelson emphasized the importance of generating more export revenue for Sri Lanka, particularly during this critical period. He highlighted that the primary aim of the session was to create direct interactions between Romanian and Sri Lankan entrepreneurs, with a focus on particular sectors such as Tourism, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Trade, and Export. He also emphasized the significant occasion of the day where NCCSL and CCIB entered into a MoU in view of further strengthening and facilitating trade between both countries.
Her Excellency M. E. M. Joseph Weninger, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Romania, provided a historical perspective on the longstanding trade relationship between Sri Lanka and Romania, which spans over six decades. She noted that Romania is currently Sri Lanka’s 71st largest export destination and 25th largest source of imports. She identified key opportunities for collaboration in the Garment industry, Tourism, and the export of Ceylon Tea.
Her Excellency Steluta ARHIRE delivered an insightful and enriching speech, expressing her appreciation for the signing of the MoU between the both Chambers to strengthen the bilateral relationships. She encouraged Sri Lankan companies to establish connections with Romanian entrepreneurs and explore avenues in setting up branches in Romania. She also shared valuable information on trade and investment opportunities, highlighting that the partnership created with the MoU would significantly strengthen bilateral relations.
The event featured an interactive Q&A session moderated by Mr. Anura Warnakulasooriya, Senior Vice President of the National Chamber where the Sri Lankan business community engaged extensively with Her Excellency Steluta ARHIRE, seeking clarification on business opportunities in the Romanian market.
Mr. Adrian Badescu, Adviser to the President of the Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry, attended the session in person and elaborated on the opportunities available for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in Romania.
The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka intends to conduct follow-up sessions to facilitate and enhance business tie-ups between Sri Lanka and Romania and virtual B2B meetings.
