H.E. Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Indonesia and ASEAN, engaged in a productive meeting with Mrs. Shinta W Kamdani, Chairwoman of the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO), on August 18th, 2023, at the APINDO headquarters.
During the discussion, Ambassador Colombage highlighted several key points including; the prevailing economic situation in Sri Lanka; Opportunities for investment in Sri Lanka, especially in the Colombo Port City, pharmaceuticals, and fabric manufacturing sectors; Investments made by Sri Lankan companies in Indonesia; requested to encourage Indonesian companies to participate in procurement notices from Sri Lankan entities; Collaborative efforts for enhancing bilateral trade, including the organization of B2B meetings; Invitations for APINDO members to attend the “Boat & Marine Show 2023” and “FACETS Sri Lanka International Gem and Jewellery Show.”
Additionally, discussions were centered around the potential for employment opportunities for Sri Lankans in Indonesia and the status of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), and Sri Lanka’s interest in joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and becoming a Sectoral Dialogue Partner (SDP) of ASEAN.
In response, Mrs. Shinta W Kamdani emphasized the Indonesian Government’s encouragement of inbound investment and expressed APINDO’s dedication to fostering business matchmaking sessions between both countries’ company representatives. Furthermore, APINDO’s keen interest in the Blue Economy was emphasized, particularly the exploration of aquatic-driven food sources.
The meeting concluded with a reinforced commitment to strengthen economic ties and collaboration between Sri Lanka and Indonesia for mutual prosperity.
The meeting was attended by distinguished participants, including Mrs. Catharina Widjaja, Chair of International Relations, and Mr. Hendra Widjaja, Vice Secretary-General of APINDO, alongside representatives from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Jakarta – Mrs. Heshani Premathilaka, Second Secretary (Commercial), and Ms. Nurul Azizah, Public Diplomacy Officer.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Jakarta
21st August 2023
