Government consults private sector to gain first hand insights on going global

Foreign Affairs Minister in discussion with biz leaders 

• Foreign Affairs Minister meets with biz leaders to understand opportunities and challenges in reaching intl. markets
• Says meeting chaired to gain ideas on the “most effective” courses of action that can be taken by the ministry
• Affirms efforts will be taken to ensure continuous “professional” engagement 

 The private sector was consulted by the government this week to obtain their inputs on charting the way forward to achieve the much needed economic progress.
Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry met with presidents, secretaries general, senior officials and business leaders representing export businesses across diverse sectors to gain insights on the opportunities that can be tapped into, and the challenges that they confront with when engaging in international trade.

The Government Information Department in a statement to the media yesterday shared that the meeting with private sector corporates and chambers was hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to obtain views, ideas and propositions on the most efficacious courses of action that the Ministry could assist and facilitate the business community to develop their business endeavours and boost exports.

During the meeting Minister Sabry had affirmed commitment in cooperating with the private sector and chambers and to support their business endeavours, thus accruing much needed economic advancement and providing​​ assistance to the export sector of the country.

Sabry has given assurance that all foreign missions under the purview of the Foreign  Ministry, would assist and facilitate the private and corporate sector in realising their economic and trade objectives. The minister has stressed efforts will be taken to ensure continuous “professional” engagement with the private sector in connecting them to openings overseas.

Participating organisations and chambers had expressed that the successful conclusion of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with key countries should be considered as a priority of the Foreign Ministry, at this juncture.

Suggestions were also put forward, requesting the government to adopt a well-structured mechanism to address issues arising from negative media coverage, thus enhancing the image and profile of the country.

The meeting was attended by over 20 leading chambers of commerce and export-oriented organisations including the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, National Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sri Lanka Exporter’s Association, Tea Traders Association and Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association, Joint Apparel Association Forum, amongst others.