Business Forum “Discover Sri Lanka: Gateway to Trade and Investment” in Milan brought together government officials, business leaders, and investors to showcase Sri Lanka’s growing trade and investment opportunities while encouraging greater Italian participation in Sri Lanka Expo 2027.
Business Forum “Discover Sri Lanka: Gateway to Trade and Investment” in Milan promotes Sri Lanka Expo 2027
Organised by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Milan in collaboration with the Italian Foreign Trade Association and Club Asia, the forum was held on 9 July in a hybrid format, allowing both physical and virtual participation. The event served as an important platform to strengthen economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Italy while presenting the country’s expanding export capabilities and investment potential to the Italian business community.
The primary objective of the forum was to promote Sri Lanka Expo 2027, which will take place in Colombo from 14–17 January 2027, while highlighting the wide range of trade, investment, and business opportunities available in Sri Lanka. The event reflected the Government’s ongoing efforts to attract foreign investors, deepen international commercial partnerships, and position Sri Lanka as a competitive destination for global businesses.
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Italy, Satya Rodrigo, inaugurated the forum with opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral economic ties and expanding commercial engagement between the two countries. Addressing participants virtually from Colombo, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe reaffirmed the Government’s strong commitment to promoting international trade and investment while extending an official invitation to Italian businesses to participate in Sri Lanka Expo 2027.
The Deputy Minister highlighted several policy reforms introduced by the Government to facilitate foreign investment, improve the ease of doing business, and create a transparent, predictable, and investor-friendly business environment. He also stressed the Government’s commitment to maintaining policy consistency, strengthening investor confidence, and supporting long-term partnerships with international companies seeking opportunities in Sri Lanka.
Business Forum “Discover Sri Lanka: Gateway to Trade and Investment” in Milan also featured presentations from key government agencies responsible for promoting exports and investment. The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) outlined the objectives of Sri Lanka Expo 2027 while showcasing the country’s export strengths across multiple sectors. Representatives from the Board of Investment (BOI) presented Sri Lanka’s investment climate, strategic geographic advantages, and the incentives available to overseas investors interested in establishing or expanding operations in the country.
One of the forum’s highlights was a presentation by Riccardo Romani, Director of Operations at Oniverse (formerly Calzedonia Group), who shared the company’s successful experience of operating in Sri Lanka for more than 25 years. He described Sri Lanka as a strategically important manufacturing hub for several of the Group’s most sophisticated and value-added production lines.
Romani also praised the institutional support provided by the Government and its agencies, noting that it had contributed significantly to the company’s continued growth and operational success. He commended the Sri Lankan workforce for its professionalism, adaptability, and strong learning capabilities, stating that these qualities have helped maintain the high standards of quality and innovation required by the Group’s global operations. His insights provided a compelling endorsement of Sri Lanka’s manufacturing capabilities and reinforced confidence in the country’s long-term investment potential.
The Italian side was represented by several distinguished speakers, including Italian Foreign Trade Association Secretary General David Doninotti, Club Asia Chairman Marco Bettin, and CNA World Honorary President Indra Perera, who emphasized the importance of expanding commercial cooperation between Italian enterprises and Sri Lankan businesses.
The forum concluded with remarks by Consul General of Sri Lanka in Milan Dulmith Waruna, who thanked all speakers and participants for their valuable contributions. Minister Counsellor Tharaka Botheju moderated the event, ensuring active engagement between speakers and participants throughout the programme.
The overall response from attendees was highly encouraging. Italian business representatives welcomed the opportunity to receive first-hand information directly from Sri Lankan authorities and expressed strong appreciation for the comprehensive presentations. Business Forum “Discover Sri Lanka: Gateway to Trade and Investment” in Milan generated particular interest in Sri Lanka Expo 2027, with several participants identifying it as an ideal platform to discover reliable business partners, explore sourcing opportunities, and establish new commercial relationships with Sri Lankan companies. Many also expressed interest in obtaining further information and exploring participation individually or through their respective business associations.
The forum further strengthened collaboration between the Consulate General and its institutional partners, particularly Club Asia, while opening new avenues to engage the Italian private sector in Sri Lanka’s trade promotion initiatives. A networking session at the conclusion of the event enabled business representatives to exchange contacts, discuss future partnerships, and identify practical opportunities for investment and trade cooperation. The successful event reinforced Sri Lanka trade and investment prospects while enhancing awareness of the country’s business potential among Italian companies and supporting broader foreign investment in Sri Lanka.