BELGOLUX-Sri Lanka Economic Forum brought together government officials, diplomats, investors, and business leaders to strengthen economic cooperation and identify new trade and investment opportunities between Sri Lanka, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
BELGOLUX-Sri Lanka Economic Forum promotes investment and trade partnerships
Organised by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Belgium in collaboration with the BELGOLUX–Sri Lanka Business Council (BLSBC), and supported by Port City Colombo, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, and the Sri Lanka-BENELUX Business Council, the forum was held on 19 June at the Port City Colombo Sales Gallery.
The event formed part of the BELGOLUX Economic Mission to Sri Lanka, which took place from 17 to 21 June, and marked another step in enhancing commercial and investment relations between Sri Lanka and the Belgium-Luxembourg economic region.
The BELGOLUX-Sri Lanka Economic Forum welcomed a 19-member business delegation representing sectors including information and communications technology (ICT), renewable energy, manufacturing, financial services, food and beverages, technology, trading, and consultancy.
The delegation also included representatives from the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, the Walloon Export & Foreign Investment Agency, the Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels, the Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi, the Embassy of Luxembourg in New Delhi, and the Honorary Consulate of Belgium in Colombo.
A series of presentations by leading Sri Lankan institutions highlighted the country’s evolving business landscape and efforts to attract greater foreign investment. Acting Director General of Commerce Somasena Mahadiulwewa, Export Development Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe, and Acting Board of Investment Chairman Sulakshana Jayawardena outlined Sri Lanka’s export development strategy, investment climate, trade facilitation initiatives, and ongoing policy reforms.
The presentations emphasised opportunities to expand exports, improve market access, particularly to the European Union, and create a more business-friendly environment that supports long-term Sri Lanka investment.
Special remarks by Ambassador of Belgium to Sri Lanka Didier Vanderhasselt and Ambassador of Luxembourg to Sri Lanka Christian Biever highlighted the growing potential to strengthen commercial relations between Sri Lanka and the two European nations. Both diplomats underscored opportunities for collaboration across several sectors, including logistics, ICT, agribusiness, financial services, renewable energy, and technology.
A major feature of the BELGOLUX-Sri Lanka Economic Forum was a high-level panel discussion focused on strengthening economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and the European Union. The discussion brought together Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka Carmen Moreno and Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe.
The panel explored strategies to expand bilateral trade, encourage sustainable Sri Lanka investment, and deepen cooperation in emerging growth sectors. Discussions also highlighted the importance of policy consistency, innovation, and stronger public-private partnerships in creating long-term and inclusive economic growth.
Participants agreed that closer engagement between governments and the private sector would be essential to unlocking new business opportunities and improving investor confidence.
The forum concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by BLSBC Secretary General Sampath Tennakoon, who acknowledged the contributions of the organisers and supporting institutions that made the event possible.
Following the formal programme, delegates participated in a networking luncheon before joining a roundtable discussion with representatives of Port City Colombo. The discussions focused on exploring investment prospects within the Special Economic Zone and identifying areas for future collaboration between international investors and Sri Lankan businesses.
The Belgium Luxembourg trade relationship continues to present significant opportunities for Sri Lanka, particularly as the country seeks to diversify export markets, attract quality foreign direct investment, and strengthen its position as a regional business destination.
By bringing together policymakers, diplomatic representatives, investors, and business leaders, the BELGOLUX-Sri Lanka Economic Forum reinforced the shared commitment to expanding economic partnerships and creating new avenues for sustainable growth between Sri Lanka, Belgium, and Luxembourg.