Charaka Perera receiving a token of appreciation from Bhagwan Bindiganavile – Snr. VP of VE Commercial Vehicles

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organized the Auto Expo – The Motor Show, which is one of the major auto shows of the global auto industry, from 12th to 18th January at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR, India. The 10th Auto Trade Dialogue was also held on 14th January at the Auto Expo venue.

Charaka Perera, Chairman of the Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA) was invited by SIAM to speak at this global forum and to be a panelist of the event. 

The theme of this year’s Auto Trade Dialogue was “Changing Dynamics in Global Automotive Policies & Trade Practices” and the presentation made by Perera broadly covered the domestic industry’s market trends and  specifically focused on the policy initiatives that are being undertaken in Sri Lanka for the development of auto sector in the long run. His presentation also included the diverse investment routes currently available in Sri Lanka and the merits of each route for investors.  

The speakers of the event included Dr. Hanif Qureshi - Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Dr. Srikar Reddy – Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Anna Shotbolt – Deputy Trade Commissioner, British High Commission, Nathalie Gminder – First Secretary of the German Embassy, Rahul Bharti – Chairman SIAM & Executive Director of Maruti Sizuki India and Cedrick Crowley – Deputy High Commissioner of the High Commission of South Africa. While the Auto Trade Dialog was well participated by the key vehicle and component manufacturers, experts from UK, Europe, Germany&Japan also made presentations 
at the event.

“It was an excellent forum to present the current state of the industry, the future market potential in the motor trade of Sri Lanka and the investment opportunities available in the auto industry to attract much needed investments to our country. As the majority of vehicles imported to SL are made in India, CMTA has been working very closely with SIAM in order to achieve alignment of automotive policies and regulations of the two countries. 

SIAM has guided the Indian Auto Industry to be the 3rd largest market while addressing all regulatory, environmental and social aspects and SIAM has assured of their support for the development of the local auto industry,” said Perera.