The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels showcased Sri Lanka’s impressive economic recovery and emerging prospects in trade, investment, and tourism to over 35 prominent representatives from the Belgian private sector on 5 December in Antwerp, Belgium.
Minister (Commercial) Thavishya Mullegamgoda highlighted “Why Sri Lanka is a Vital Island” for foreign partners during her presentation. She detailed the country’s strengths in trade, investment, and tourism, while underscoring its strategic location in the Indian Ocean. Mullegamgoda encouraged Antwerp’s business community to explore opportunities for collaboration and expand their economic engagements with Sri Lanka.
Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Antwerp, Monique De Decker-Deprez, shared insights on Sri Lanka’s potential across various sectors of interest to Belgian companies. She recounted her recent experiences in Sri Lanka, including visits to Belgian-invested factories, and emphasized the opportunities available in the South Asian nation.
The event attracted representatives from notable institutions in Belgium’s Flemish Region, such as the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, the City of Antwerp, Flanders Investment and Trade, and Voka Chamber of Commerce in Antwerp. Entrepreneurs from diverse industries, including diamond, tea, apparel, tourism, cigars, logistics, lifestyle projects, renewable energy, and import-export services, participated. Belgian journalists and other stakeholders also attended.
Antwerp, renowned as one of the world’s leading seaports and a global diamond trade hub, played host to this impactful event. Building on its success, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels plans to organize more sector-specific business promotional events in Antwerp and the broader Flanders Region.
The event was supported by the economic diplomacy program of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka.