One of the largest risks (political situation aside) right now is inflation which serves to drive up the cost of importing raw materials. However, for the Services industry inflation is not all bad news as cost competitiveness in the international arena is also a success factor.

However, taking a mid to long term view, Sri Lankan companies will be increasingly challenged to increase productivity to counter the negative effects of inflation. Increasing adoption of technology will play an important role in this respect.

Technology too will drive many of the emerging business areas - bringing opportunites for joint ventures and strategic partnerships including relationships with external (non-Sri Lankan) companies.

In-country and for development of overseas business opportunities the Business Community and it's component companies will need to develop and implement strong and agressive strategies encompassing Branding, R&D / Innovation and market research.

 

Partnerships with overseas non-South Asian companies should been seen as a two-way channel - both to take advantage of global markets as well as partnering for local and South Asian initiatives and market opportunities.

 

Opportunities for European Businesses

Despite the political situation in Sri Lanka, the country has a vibrant and progressive business sector and community. The economy is growth oriented and is one of the higher growth economies in the South Asian region.

 

Opportunities abound - both in respect to inward investment, infrastructure projects as well as partnering for Global markets and opportunities in the commodity (traditional) and Apparel export sectors as well as the fast emerging and developing Services sector. 

 

 

Public Private Partnership (PPP) Program

The PPP Program provides substantial short and medium term opportunities for European businesses and investors. The Government has committed to initiating large infrastructure projects in the short term (2007 / 2008). These projects include:

 

• South Harbour Development
• Weerawila Airport 
• Motorway Infrastructure

 

Snapshot: Trade Trends - EU Trade with Sri Lanka 1990 - 2004

This is the most recent snapshot available from the EU. A more comprehensive overview which incluses the chart shown here can be found in this document (Adobe PDF).

 

 

This Page on Business Sri Lanka

This page and sub-sections (work in progress) will be developed over the coming months and will include both statistical data, analysis and commentry. In addition, we plan to develop an information resource looking at emerging areas of development and business. This will be aimed at supporting members of Business Sri Lanka in respect to developing short and long term sustainable revenues and new business.

 

If you would like to get involved in this research and strategy initiative with Business Sri Lanka, please contact us with your proposal and interest.