At a recent roundtable discussion organized by the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE), UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka Khaled Nasser Al Ameri emphasized the potential for deepening bilateral ties between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sri Lanka. The discussion, held on November 12 at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, focused on creating opportunities in trade, technology, and tourism for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in the UAE.
Ambassador Al Ameri delivered the keynote address, highlighting the UAE’s advantages as a re-export hub. He referenced Sri Lanka’s $110 million worth of tea exports to the UAE in 2022, noting the advanced blending and packaging facilities and tax breaks available in his country.
“The UAE is committed to building stronger relations with Sri Lanka,” said the Ambassador. “Our strategic location, investor-friendly policies, and dynamic economy offer vast opportunities for Sri Lankan businesses to thrive. Beyond traditional commodities, we should focus on sectors such as IT, Business Operations Management (BOM), finance, and insurance. Innovation, particularly in health-related products, is also crucial to meeting the demands of health-conscious consumers.”
He encouraged Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to explore high-growth sectors in the UAE, including renewable energy, fintech, and logistics. “Technology and digitization are shaping the future of global commerce, and through collaboration with the UAE, Sri Lankan businesses can be significant players in this transformation,” he added.
COYLE urged the Ambassador to facilitate connections with a UAE-based chamber to foster business opportunities between the two nations. Strengthening tourism ties also featured in the discussions, with Ambassador Al Ameri suggesting enhanced marketing of Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural attractions to appeal to UAE tourists.
The conversation also touched on Sri Lanka’s strategic location and potential as a regional partner in the Indian Ocean, bolstered by its proximity to India and improving infrastructure.
The event concluded with COYLE expressing gratitude to the UAE for its support and reiterating both nations’ shared commitment to fostering economic innovation and mutual prosperity.