Sri Lanka’s political and economic outlook is brighter than it has been for years and the time is right for Australian companies to take a fresh look at the opportunities this significant trading partner offers.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) invite companies from throughout Australia to join a trade mission to Sri Lanka from 3-5 May 2010. Australia enjoys warm bilateral relations with Sri Lanka, underpinned by trade and investment flows, education, immigration and other people-to-people links and development cooperation.

Sri Lanka is the most liberalised economy in South Asia. In 2008-09, two-way trade between Australia and Sri Lanka was valued at $329 million.

Vegetables, gold and dairy products are Australia’s main merchandise exports. Tea and other food products, textiles, clothing, rubber tyres and articles of iron and steel are Australia’s main imports from Sri Lanka. Education continues to play a significant role in the relationship, with Australia the leading provider of tertiary education services to Sri Lanka.

Australian trade and investment interests stand to gain from the optimism of the Sri Lankan business community, following the conclusion of the long-running military operations in the north of the country. Opportunities include the diversification of the power industry, port development and potential consultancies related to the privatisation or restructuring of state-owned enterprises. Following the end of the civil war, tourism, including related transport and other activities, could also open opportunities to Australian businesses.

To find out more information and to register for the trade mission, please email ian.whitaker@cciwa.com.