Embassy of Sri Lanka in Türkiye explores trade and investment cooperation with Istanbul Chamber of Commerce

Embassy of Sri Lanka in Türkiye explores trade and investment cooperation with Istanbul Chamber of Commerce

In a bid to expand Sri Lanka’s economic ties with the leading stakeholders in Türkiye, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Türkiye, Niluka Kadurugamuwa, with his official delegation met with the President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Mr. Şekib Avdagiç recently at the Chamber’s headquarters in Istanbul.

The meeting focused on exploring new avenues for bilateral trade and investment cooperation between Sri Lanka and Türkiye, with the objective of further enhancing the mutually agreed bilateral trade target of USD 500 million under the Türkiye–Sri Lanka Joint Economic Cooperation framework.

During the discussions, Ambassador Kadurugamuwa highlighted the growing potential for Turkish businesses to explore increased trade and investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. He also encouraged greater engagement in sectors of mutual interest, emphasizing Sri Lanka’s strategic location, investor-friendly environment, and expanding economic prospects.

The discussions further covered potential areas of collaboration including the enhancement of air connectivity, maritime cooperation, and tourism cooperation between the two countries. The Ambassador elaborated the importance of strengthening people-to-people connectivity and promoting closer commercial partnerships between the business communities of both nations.

Adding valuable insights to the discussion, President Şekib Avdagiç pointed out the prospects of expanding trade relations with Sri Lanka, particularly through increased Turkish investments in the island nation. He also expressed interest in promoting Sri Lanka as an attractive destination for Turkish travelers and investors.

As an initial step towards strengthening business-to-business engagement, the two sides agreed to organize a virtual B2B session connecting Sri Lankan traders and exporters with their Turkish counterparts to explore potential trade and partnership opportunities.

The President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce reaffirmed the Chamber’s continued support and commitment towards further strengthening the longstanding economic relations between Sri Lanka and Türkiye.

Istanbul Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest and most influential business organizations in Türkiye, representing a wide range of industries and enterprises based in Istanbul, the country’s commercial and financial hub. Established in 1882, the Chamber plays a significant role in promoting trade, investment, entrepreneurship, and international economic cooperation. It provides support services to businesses, facilitates networking and trade partnerships, and actively contributes to Türkiye’s economic development through policy advocacy, market research, trade fairs, and engagement with foreign missions and international business communities.

First Secretary (Commercial) of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara, Dilanga Hettiarachchi and Sri Lanka’s Honorary Consul in Istanbul Dr.Aydin Özü, accompanied the Ambassador to the meeting.