RAK-SL Trade and Business Forum to kick off in May

• By Nuzla Rizkiya

Ras-Al-Khaimah (RAK) - Sri Lanka Trade Fair and Business Forum 2024 is set to be held from May 17 to 19, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The event, organised by the Chamber of Tourism and Industry of Sri Lanka and RAK Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the UAE, will provide a platform for Sri Lankan businesses to expand their reach into global regional markets. 
The business forum and trade fair are set to take place at the RAK Expo Centre in the UAE. Ras-Al-Khaimah (a global business and industrial hub) is key emirate of the UAE, boasting an economic zone consisting around 16,000 business entities from over 100 countries.

Therefore, the event particularly aims at exposing Lankan businesses to connections, advantages and opportunities in international markets, especially in the Middle East, Africa and western regions.
Accordingly, more than 200 Sri Lankan businesses are given the opportunity to showcase their products and services to international dealers, consumers, investors, etc. of the RAK’s economic zone. 

Adding to the forum, the event is also set to feature a job fair, musicals shows, Vesak festivals, food festivals and cultural shows. Business stalls are priced at US $ 400, US $ 875 and US $ 1650.
Furthermore, the initiative also marks a Single Country Trade Fair and Business Forum by Sri Lanka in the Middle Eastern financial giant.

It is believed to hold a significant economic importance, as the Export Development Board lists the UAE as the eighth largest export destination for Sri Lankan products.  In 2022, Sri Lanka exports to the UAE experienced a 20.11 percent growth, with export trade valued at US $ 345.82 million. 
Established to boost Sri Lanka’s overall export trade, the initiative is also endorsed by the Presidential Secretariat, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Agriculture and Plantation Ministry, Investment Promotion Ministry, Tourism and Land Ministry, Industries Ministry, Trade Ministry, Sri Lankan missions in the UAE, Sri Lankan Business Council in Dubai and many other business organisations.