The session on “Bilateral Trade & Investment between Sri Lanka & South Africa organized by the National Chamber was successfully concluded recently at the National Chamber Auditorium with a large gathering of business community, government officials.
Mr. Deepal Nelson, President of the National Chamber welcomed the High Commissioner of South Africa in Sri Lanka H E Sandile Edwin Schalk (Special guest speaker), Third Secretary Political Ms. Zanethemba Tshangela, Sri Lankan High Commissioner in South Africa H E Prof. Gamini Gunawardane, Second Secretary Ms. Thiloka Perera and special invitees attended representing EDB, BOI, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sri Lanka, Ministry of Industries, IDB, National Craft Council and the media entities.
Speaking to the gathering the Guest Speaker of the event H E Sandile Edwin Schalk briefed the business possibilities in South Africa for Sri Lankan Companies, informed that South Africa is having 60.1 million population, Exports USD 121 Billion (2022) and Imports: USD 93 Billion (2022), South Africa’s USD 468.5 Billion economy is the 33rd largest in the world. The economy is highly diversified from a sectoral perspective and the most developed and technological advanced economy in Africa. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows have increased substantially since the onset of democracy, with FDI stock representing 36.3% GDP in 2019 as compared with 6.6 % in 1994.
H E Prof. Gamini Gunawardane Sri Lankan High Commissioner in South Africa connected virtually and stated that business to business interaction between the two Countries should grow further. Ms. Thiloka Perera Second Secretary of the Sri Lankan High Commission in South Africa who also connected online explained about the role of the Sri Lanka High Commission in South Africa. Sri Lankan companies already active in South Africa namely BoardPAC, Virtusa, LOLC Finance Zambia Ltd, Ranfer Teas Central Africa, Basilur Tea, Camso, Rank Entertainment Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd., Dilmah Tea.
