Business
EU asks Sri Lanka not to be ‘WTO incompatible’
by Sanath Nanayakkare
Sri Lanka should avoid any unnecessary damage to the commercial and economic interests of any other WTO party including the EU, Frank Hess, Head of Cooperation Section at EU Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives said.
He said so while addressing a media briefing online, following the final project steering committee meeting of the EU – Sri Lanka Trade Assistance Project at Taj Samudra Colombo recently.
“Some policy makers openly talk about protectionist aims. I ask: Is this what the country needs for economic growth? Is this what is fair to the EU? Sri Lanka enjoys a positive trade balance with the EU, and I would like to underline that no modern economy can operate in isolation.
“We raised this issue at the WTO meetings end of last year and the WTO Market Access Committee in January. We remain concerned by measures some of which have been implemented in a WTO incompatible manner”, he said.
Elaborating on his views he said:
“The European Union believes that global problems such as the pandemic and the ensuing economic crisis, can only be solved through global cooperation. We can help ourselves only by working together.
“Sri Lanka should pay due regard, in carrying out its domestic policies, to the need for maintaining or restoring equilibrium in its Balance of Payment on a sound and lasting basis, by adopting measures which increase instead of decreasing international trade.
“Recently the European Commission set out its trade strategy for the coming years. Reflecting the concept of open strategic autonomy, the strategy builds on the openness to contribute to the economic recovery through support for the green and digital transformations, as well as a renewed focus on strengthening multilateralism and reforming global trade rules to ensure that they are fair and sustainable.
“For the recovery of the Sri Lankan and global economy, open and rules-based trade is essential as it gives confidence to businesses to invest, and re-start exchanges that bring in employment and revenues.
“We understand the government is keen to pursue a trade model aiming at export growth and FDI growth, attracting foreign investment also from the EU. But which investor will come here if he or she is forbidden or face obstacles when importing from other countries? To increase GSP+ utilization, you will need to have a balanced approach and not close doors. Trade is about mutual benefits. I fully expect that doing business with Sri Lankan enterprises will not only open new markets in the EU and regionally to you, but will enable EU SMEs to link with local businesses and grow together as well.
“If companies and the Government want to increase the competitiveness of Sri Lanka, the best way is to open up the economy, invest in research and development, provide skills to workers, nurture entrepreneurs, provide decent jobs and most importantly create a business conducive environment which supports both exporters and importers.”
“The EU has also helped SrI Lanka through giving it GSP+ status. With GSP+, the EU has unilaterally opened its market and granted duty free access on 66% of the EU tariff lines representing about 6000 products.
“About €3 billion worth of goods were exported to the EU from Sri Lanka in 2019 using the GSP+ preferences. This resulted in a positive trade balance for Sri Lanka of 1.5 billion euro in
2019 alone. Even without the UK, this balance is still 1 billion euro in the favor of Sri Lanka.”
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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