High Commissioner His Excellency Masood Imad delivered a keynote address at the 16th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council, highlighting the immense potential for trade and investment collaboration between the two nations.
Addressing the Council as Chief Guest, the High Commissioner underscored the strong historical ties and shared values between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, providing a solid foundation for economic partnership. He emphasized the growing Maldivian market for Sri Lankan products, particularly in tourism industry, agriculture, food processing, textiles, and construction materials.
To capitalize on these opportunities, High Commissioner Masood Imad urged Sri Lankan businesses to focus on quality assurance, market research, and efficient logistics. He also outlined investment prospects in Maldives, emphasizing sectors like tourism, hospitality, renewable energy, and fisheries. The High Commissioner encouraged Sri Lankan investors to explore partnerships with Maldivian counterparts to develop high-end resorts, boutique hotels, and sustainable tourism projects.
In the realm of tourism, High Commissioner Masood Imad proposed joint marketing campaigns, integrated travel packages, and cultural exchanges to enhance the appeal of both countries as tourist destinations. He stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations through regular business forums, trade missions, and collaborative research initiatives.
Concluding his address, the High Commissioner commended the efforts and achievements of the Council to promote trade between the two countries. High Commissioner Masood Imad expressed confidence in the potential of the Maldives-Sri Lanka partnership and called for concerted efforts to unlock its full potential – through the creation of a conducive business environment to foster growth and prosperity for both nations.
The Sri Lanka – Maldives Business Council, the 19th Bilateral Business Council under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was launched on 25th May, 2007. The need to establish the Sri Lanka – Maldives Bilateral Business Council originated following a recommendation made at the Sri Lanka – Maldives Joint Commission held in 2006. The prime objectives of the Council are promotion of trade/ investment, services, tourism and joint ventures between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives.