Sunday Times 2
Germans cherish business ties with Asia-Pacific
View(s):The German Asia-Pacific Business Association in Bremen celebrated its 113th Anniversary recently with the Ambassador of Sri Lanka Sarath Kongahage as Guest of Honour and keynote speaker. The German Asia-Pacific Business Association is a strong network of German business companies in the fields of trade, industry, banking and small and medium size enterprises with activities in the Asia Pacific region. The Association works on the promotion of bilateral economic relationships between Germany and the Asia-Pacific Region.
Mr. Kongahage delivering his keynote address
The Association was founded in 1901 by 12 merchants, who had spent several years in Asia. Their intention was to treasure the memories of the time they spent in Asia and cultivate the relations with these countries. The Association started with 12 members, but now has more than 500 from various backgrounds including politicians, traders, entrepreneurs, bankers, academics and scientists, most of whom have a business- or academic connection with Asian countries.
The Mayer of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen and President of the Senate, Jens Böhrnsen, welcomed ambassadors from Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Philippines and Japan. The ambassadors signed the Golden Book at the 625-years-old historical museum in Bremen along with other ambassadors.
President of the Association Arend Vollers presided over the event. In his keynote address, the Ambassador briefed the audience on the historical connections between Sri Lanka and European countries and also referred to the long-term business relationship between Sri Lanka and Germany, which goes beyond the 60 years of the diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and Germany. Germany is Sri Lanka’s second largest investor from the European Union and has been a vibrant export market for high-quality Sri Lankan products.
Sri Lanka witnessed a steady and positive progress after the end of the internal conflict, the Ambassador said, adding that the country needed more investment and trade from Germany. The country had identified the five hubs of aviation, maritime, knowledge, energy and commercial, while tourism also has tremendous scope for investment, the ambassador added.
An impressive brochure compiled and printed by Mr. Vollers, with an old photograph of Ceylon depicting the early connection of Germany with Sri Lanka was distributed to guests. A traditional sit down dinner with rice and curry was served.