Sri Lanka and Australia to forge deeper trade links through ‘A Journey of Exploration’

• High-profile Australian trade delegation in town from September 04 to 10 

The Sri Lanka and Australia Chamber of Commerce is set to unveil an unprecedented initiative that promises to further strengthen the long-standing friendship between Sri Lanka and

Australia. 
Accordingly, under the banner of ‘A Journey of Exploration’, an exhilarating series of events is set to unfold, as the chamber expects to host the high-profile Australian Trade Delegation 2023. 

This series of events is expected to be a captivating blend of exploration, cultural immersion and economic collaboration, designed to forge stronger bonds between the two nations.
Scheduled to run from September 04-10, 2023, this landmark event is being orchestrated by the Sri Lanka and Australia Chamber of Commerce, in close partnership with the Victoria State Government, alongside other notable stakeholders, including the Export Development Board (EDB), National Chamber of Commerce, SLASSCOM, Port City, Hatch and Orion City. The culmination of tireless efforts, this initiative is poised to usher in a new era of prosperity for both nations.

Australian Trade Delegation 2023 will include a distinguished roster of 11 representatives, including notable figures from the Aboriginal Economic Development Group (AEDG), Victoria State Government and other prominent business entities. 
The delegation is led by AEDG Director Sara Stewart. With avenues of exploration spanning food, textile and IT, the delegates are poised to engage in transformative interactions that have the potential to reshape economic landscapes.

Commenting on the significance of this initiative, Sri Lanka and Australia Chamber of Commerce President Kalum De Silva said, “Our chamber is committed to linking the business communities of the two countries to encourage economic development, further fortifying and diversifying the strong cultural and diplomatic relationships that already exist. Through this event, we envision not only economic growth but also the cultivation of stronger bonds of friendship and understanding between our nations. 

This is the union of Australia’s First Nations people with the indigenous community of Sri Lanka and is a powerful testament to the enduring significance of indigenous cultures worldwide. As these two distinct yet spiritually connected communities converge, they weave a tapestry of shared wisdom, resilience and a deep reverence for the land. We look forward to hosting Australian Trade Delegation 2023 and giving them unique insights into what Sri Lanka has to offer Australia and the world.”
The week-long event will feature a series of exciting events. Exploring growth opportunities, the delegation will participate in discussions on mutual expansion prospects during sessions at the EDB. 

A visit to Port City Colombo promises a glimpse into the burgeoning dynamism of Sri Lanka’s evolving infrastructure, as the Gateway to South Asia edges closer to completion. The immersive IT sector tour is set to unfold at Hatch Incubator and Orion City IT Park, giving Australians a first-hand look into the thriving tech landscape of Sri Lanka and the expansive opportunities it presents. 

Exploring collaborative opportunities, the delegation will partake in productive B2B meetings with key stakeholders across the food, textile and IT sectors. A number of exciting cultural encounters have also been woven in, with highlights ranging from a sensory Kandy spice plantation visit to an exploration of a quaint handloom textile village. An indigenous village visit is also planned, forging a profound connection between the delegates and the local communities, underscoring the essence of unity.