C’wealth Biz Forum in Colombo next year

11 October 2012 03:09 am Views - 5033

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced its support to the next Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF ‘13) to be held in November 2013 in Colombo, and the campaign is scheduled to be launched by President Mahinda Rajapaksa today.

“The theme of the CBF 2013 will be ‘Partnering for Wealth Creation and Social Development –The CW, Indian Ocean and SAARC”. It will highlight global economic partnerships for trade and investment, providing an opportunity to attract a important business and trading audience to Colombo” revealed Dr Mohan Kaul, Director General of CW Business Council when he met Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen at his ministry yesterday.

Visiting Dr Kaul was leading a CW team to Colombo consisting of Nilk Holme (Managing Director, CW Biz Council) and Sean Leno (CW Biz Council Manager Operations for Media) to take part in the Colombo 2013 campaign launch event today.

The 2013 CBF is scheduled to be held on November 15, 16 and 17.

“The 54-member country backed CW Business Forum will be looking at both traditional and non-traditional trade linkages for the participants. As many emerging markets are transforming into real markets, it is time CW knows what Sri Lanka’s business priorities with its member nations and vice-versa. There will also be a Trade Fair where Sri Lankan manufacturing and exports will be displayed for the international business visitors” Dr Kaul added. “There is also scope to meet the needs of CW member country by another member country. For instance, there is strong need of knowhow, training and technology for Nigeria’s apparel and textile sector which Sri Lanka can readily and profitably fulfil. In fact, the 600 Mn middle class in Africa is a very promising market for emerging economies such as Sri Lanka” Dr Kaul stressed. Responding to Dr Kaul, Minister Bathiudeen said: “The CBF 2013 will be a great opportunity for Sri Lanka’s trade, exports and manufacturing, especially at a time of negative global business climate. We warmly welcome the CW trade delegations to Sri Lanka. I, together with all departments and advisory committees of my Ministry are pleased to extend the maximum support to your initiative which will place Colombo on the international trade map again following the successful international Expo 2012 held in Colombo last March.”

The first ever CBF was held in 2010 in Trinidad and Tobago. Last year’s CBF (CBF 2012) was held in Perth, Australia.