Sri Lanka Trade Mission Strengthens Ties at WTC Mumbai
The All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and the World Trade Center (WTC) Mumbai, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka, jointly hosted a trade mission to reinforce bilateral economic ties between India and Sri Lanka.
The session opened with Ms. Priya Pansare, Director of Trade and Investment Promotion, WTC Mumbai, who emphasized WTC Mumbai’s commitment to fostering global partnerships. She warmly welcomed the Consul General of Sri Lanka and all participants before inviting Acting Consul General Ms. Shirani Ariyarathne to address the gathering.
Ms. Ariyarathne expressed gratitude to WTC Mumbai for its continued support in advancing bilateral trade. In her remarks, she underscored Sri Lanka’s strengths in tea, spices, and value-added exports, particularly highlighting the global recognition of Ceylon tea. While Sri Lanka enjoys a dedicated quota for tea exports to India, she noted that its full trade potential remains untapped. With duty concessions under the Free Trade Agreement, she stressed the greater opportunities available for Sri Lankan exporters to the Indian market. She also acknowledged India’s thriving food and culinary industries, which rely heavily on spices, and assured that the Sri Lankan Consulate will provide all necessary assistance to facilitate trade and information access for interested businesses.
The trade mission spotlighted three leading Sri Lankan enterprises: TeaTalk, represented by Founder/Director Mr. Chamara Udugama; Janrich Foods Limited, represented by Director Mr. Janith Abeyesekara; and New Lanka Global Pvt. Ltd., represented by Marketing Director Mr. Nuwan Gunasekara. Each outlined their product offerings while expressing eagerness to build new partnerships and expand their presence in India. Their participation fostered dynamic discussions and meaningful business exchanges.
This initiative reflects a significant step in strengthening India-Sri Lanka trade relations by bringing together exporters and buyers to explore collaborative opportunities and advance bilateral commerce.