World Economic Forum in Jordan

Rajapaksa leads powerful business delegation

President Mahinda Rajapakse is leading a powerful Sri Lankan business delegation to the World Economic Forum, the biggest grouping of political and business leaders, being held in Jordan from May 18 to 20 and will thereafter proceed to Kuwait for a May 21-22 visit.

The forum will focus on peace and stability in the region. More than 1,000 participants will attend the Forum providing a platform for political, civil and business leaders to discuss the challenges and offer solutions, officials said. The Sri Lankan delegation will comprise business leaders, top members of local chambers of commerce and officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and several other ministers are expected to accompany the President during his tour of Jordan and Kuwait, which also have a large number of Sri Lankan workers. At least four members of each chamber of commerce are to be included in the delegation, Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Mahen Dayananda told The Sunday Times FT adding that Sri Lanka will get an opportunity to attract more investments from the Middle East and to establish business contacts as this meeting will highlight new investment opportunities and tackle the key success factors for continuing growth and job creation in the Middle East.

The heads of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FCCISL) and the National Chamber of Commerce are also expected to lead their respective teams.