Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ The Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh, in partnership with the Export Development Board and the Tea Board of Sri Lanka, effectively facilitated the participation of twelve food and beverage exporters from Sri Lanka at the recently concluded 11th edition of the Saudi Foodex 2024 Exhibition in Riyadh. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time Sri Lankan companies have taken part in Saudi Arabia’s premier international trade exhibition dedicated solely to the food and drink industry.
Ambassador O.L. Ameer Ajwad, representing Sri Lanka in the Kingdom, inaugurated the Sri Lankan pavilion at the event. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of this participation in enhancing Sri Lanka’s export potential to the Saudi market. The Saudi Foodex exhibition serves as a crucial platform for countries to establish new trade opportunities and strengthen international business relationships. By showcasing high-quality Sri Lankan tea and food products, the event aims to align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 food security initiatives.
Also read: Two climbers, one goal: Will the two Pakistani mountaineers make history on Shishapangma peak?
Ambassador Ameer Ajwad noted that the participation of Sri Lankan exporters at this leading trade exhibition is particularly timely, as both nations celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. He expressed optimism that this initiative would pave the way for increased bilateral private sector interactions and foster a deeper economic partnership between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the Sri Lankan pavilion featured notable tea exporters, including Meezan and Company Ltd.; A.F. Jones Exporters Ceylon Ltd.; Sri Lanka Ceylon Tea Land Ltd.; Expoteas Ceylon Ltd.; Enrich Tea and Food Exports Ltd.; Mackwoods Ltd.; and several others, all of whom showcased their unique products. In addition to the tea sector, representatives from the food industry, including Maliban Biscuits Manufactories Ltd.; Eco Paints Ltd.; Tradlanka Agricultural Enterprises Ltd.; Consolidated Business System Ltd.; Aqua ‘N Green Ltd.; Norfolk Foods Ltd.; Zaya Global Exports Ltd.; and Sri Lanka Export Development Board, participated.
This diverse representation underscores the breadth of Sri Lankan culinary offerings, which are set to gain visibility in the Saudi market. To further enhance networking opportunities, the Sri Lankan Embassy organized B2B sessions between the visiting exporters and local businesses, including representatives from Riyadh’s Chamber of Commerce. These sessions are designed to facilitate fruitful discussions and potential partnerships that could benefit both parties. Additionally, Ambassador Ajwad hosted a luncheon at the Embassy to greet the visiting trade delegation from Sri Lanka, providing an additional opportunity for engagement with key stakeholders in the local market.
As part of the tea sector’s participation, the Sri Lanka Tea Board organized a dedicated Ceylon Tea pavilion. This pavilion showcased renowned brands and highlighted the premium quality of Ceylon Tea, reinforcing its status as a sought-after beverage in international markets. With such promising initiatives, the participation of Sri Lankan food companies at Saudi Foodex 2024 not only marks a historic first but also represents a significant opportunity to strengthen economic ties and explore new markets. As both countries move forward, the collaborative efforts between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia are likely to yield beneficial outcomes for their respective economies, setting the stage for future growth and partnership.
