(Commonwealth_ High-ranking representatives from Koelnmesse India, a leading international trade fair and exhibition centre based in Cologne, Germany, visited Sri Lanka from May 8 to May 18. The delegation, led by Managing Director Milind Dixit, met with representatives of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) to explore potential opportunities across various sectors in the country.
The primary purpose of their visit was to investigate potential partnerships and collaborations in key sectors of Sri Lanka’s economy, including food and beverage, agriculture, horticulture, the rubber industry, and the bakery industry. AHK Sri Lanka facilitated several strategic meetings with Sri Lankan agencies, associations, and stakeholders. These included the Export Development Board, the Industrial Development Board, the Coconut Development Authority, and the Food Processors Association. The discussions centered around potential synergies and opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, AHK Sri Lanka engaged with exhibition venue operators to explore the feasibility of organizing Koelnmesse trade fairs in Sri Lanka.
To further enhance networking and idea exchange, an exclusive cocktail event was organized on May 9. This event brought together key players from various industries in Sri Lanka, providing a valuable platform for networking and discussion. Milind Dixit remarked, “Our visit to Sri Lanka has been incredibly insightful, thanks to the collaboration with AHK Sri Lanka. Together, we have explored the vast potential of the food and beverage industry and other key sectors in the country. AHK Sri Lanka’s efforts in facilitating meetings and fostering partnerships have been instrumental in our mission to capitalize on business opportunities in Sri Lanka. We look forward to contributing to the growth and development of industries in the country.”
Koelnmesse, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, is globally renowned for hosting around 80 trade fairs and over 2,000 conferences annually, solidifying its position as one of the largest trade fair organizers in the European Union. Some of the notable trade fairs hosted by Koelnmesse include Anuga for the food and agriculture industry, Anuga FoodTec for agricultural technologies, Spoga+Gafa for the gardening and horticulture industry, ISM for confectioneries, and Tire Cologne for the tire industry. These fairs are well-regarded for fostering international trade and collaboration.
Marie Antonia von Schönburg, the Chief Delegate of AHK Sri Lanka, highlighted the success of the visit, stating, “Our collaboration with Koelnmesse has been immensely fruitful, enabling us to delve into the diverse opportunities present in Sri Lanka’s food and beverage industry and other key sectors. Through facilitating meetings and fostering partnerships, AHK Sri Lanka is proud to have played a pivotal role in enhancing business prospects and promoting growth. We remain committed to further strengthening our partnership with Koelnmesse and contributing to the development of businesses in Sri Lanka and Germany.”
The visit of the Koelnmesse India delegation marks a significant step towards stronger bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Germany. By engaging with Sri Lankan industry leaders and stakeholders, the delegation aimed to identify areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration. The meetings facilitated by AHK Sri Lanka were instrumental in bridging the gap between the two countries’ business communities.
The engagement also highlighted the importance of the rubber and horticulture industries, which are key components of Sri Lanka’s economy. By exploring partnerships in these sectors, the Koelnmesse delegation aimed to create opportunities for technological exchange and innovation. The visit of the Koelnmesse India delegation to Sri Lanka was marked by productive meetings and promising discussions. The collaboration with AHK Sri Lanka played a crucial role in identifying and exploring potential business opportunities. As both countries look to the future, the strengthened ties and new partnerships formed during this visit are expected to contribute significantly to the growth and development of their respective industries.
