The inaugural conference was convened on the 27th of March, sponsored by International Consultants, Chairman, Mr. Ranjiv Goonawardena, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board and the Sri Lankan High Commission in Pretoria.
The conference was oversubscribed and a number of companies were unable to participate due to the overwhelming demand to register.
The inaugural conference focused on deliberating on doing business in Mozambique. His Excellency Silvino Augusto José Moreno, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Republic of Mozambique gave the keynote speech and opening remarks. Stating that his country was ready, willing, is open to do business and welcome companies from Sri Lanka to establish developing opportunities with mutual significant interest. Specifically in the key sectors comprising; Power Energy, Civil Construction, Engineering Services and Telecommunication sector.
Key presentations were made by Mr. Gil Bires, Director-General of Mozambique’s Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEX) talking about the Legal Framework for Investment plus Business Opportunities in Mozambique. Followed by presentations on Small Hydro Sustainable Solutions, Renewable Energy; Wind, Solar Investment were conducted by the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy.
Opportunities in the Construction Sector was presented by the Ministry of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources. The final introduction was then made by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
At the conference, the Chairman of International Consultants, Mr Ranjiv Goonawardena, stated that Sri Lankan companies have a competitive edge, compared to rivals from the Western Hemisphere due to the cost of labour being far less in comparison. Sri Lankan quality of work is of international standing or even better than their competitors in Europe.
The African Market is worth 3.4 trillion embracing 54 countries with a population of 1.3 billion. Right now, African countries are getting together to create a single market, work in progress as we speak, similar to the European Union. Called the African Union Free Trade Agreement where goods and services can be manufactured in any of the African countries and exported without paying duties or tariffs in time to come.
A critical component is that a large number of African countries are deemed as least developed economies which implies that under the UN description, they will be eligible for trade preferences and financial assistance including official development assistance, debt relief, technical assistance including other forms of support. This means that they have free access to the European and the American market duty-free whereby Sri Lankan companies could even manufacture goods and services in the African continent while having access to three (3) markets under this agreement. Free access to America, Europe and the African Union countries.
In the closing remarks which were made by Mr. Ranjiv Goonawardena who emphasised that funding is available for projects in the African continent from America. On the 26th of March Kamala Harris the Vice President of America landed in Africa. Will be visiting Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia. Seeking to gain influence on the continent and becoming its partner of choice and they have pledged $55 billion in financial assistance. The European Union has also pledged 150 billion euros which equates to $170 billion US dollars for investing in Africa.
International consultants can access this type of funding for projects in the African continent. As we have been liaising extensively for several years on different projects and have a working relationship with financial providers.
This conference has provided a great opportunity for Sri Lankan companies and corporations to look at the alternative African market. This is a way Sri Lanka can export itself out of the current economic crisis which has beset the island.
The conference was oversubscribed and a number of companies were unable to participate due to the overwhelming demand to register.
Mrs. Indumini Kodikara - Director - Export Services - Sri Lanka Export: Development Board who is responsible for the improvement of the service export performance, moderated the conference.
Mr. Sanjeewa Ranasinghe Bandara – Former Commercial Secretary, Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria conducted the Q&A session.
