29th November 2017, Sri Lanka Economy and Investment Conclave (known as SEIC) (Sri Lanka-China Dialogue) was held successfully at Kingsbury Hotel Colombo.
Minister of Megapolis, Hon. Champika Ranawaka, Sri Lanka President H.E. Sirisena’s special representative, Media Secretary to H.E. Mr. Weerawardana, State Minister of Lands Hon. T. B. Ekanayaka, State Minister of Finance, Hon. Wickramaratna, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr. Coomaraswamy were invited to participate the conclave. CFIE officials, ambassadors, councillors from different countries were invited to participate the conclave. Sri Lanka businessmen from different industries like: hotel, IT, investment, lawyers, auditors, new energy, construction etc. participated. Over 20 numbers of the local and foreign media participated and reported the conclave, which including Xinhua News Agent, China Legal Daily and China Radio International.
This conclave was held in a manner of panel discussion. Moderators raised the topics and the questions, panellists joined the discussion about the topics and questions, also there were Q&A sessions, panellists interacted with the participants and media. Elites from Sri Lanka, China and other countries joined the panel discussions, focusing on several hot topics:
- 2018 World Economy Outlook
- Private Investments in Sri Lanka-Challenges and Opportunities
- Hot Sectors and Specific Investment Opportunities in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka-Gateway to India
- Regulatory and Legal Framework applicable to Foreign Investments
- Sustainable Investments-Challenges and Opportunities
- Hairong’s International Platform for Sri Lanka Economic Development
Chairman Pan Liang gave a fascinating speech during the panel discussion. Firstly, he thanked all the participants from different countries, also reminded everyone that this year is the 60-year anniversary of establishment of democratic relations between Sri Lanka and China. As the Director of Economic Development, Vice Secretary General of WOGC, he has committed himself to promoting economic collaboration and cultural exchange between different countries. He said he is obliged to help Sri Lanka to develop its economy, improve people’s livelihood. SEIC 2017 is the first event, next year we are going to have better, more content-rich, international-class summit. We also sincerely welcome all the friends here join us next year as well, to discuss Sri Lanka and world’s development opportunities.
During the conclave, as driven by Chairman Pan Liang, CFIE Vice President Xiong Meng and National Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka Mr. Samaraweera have signed MoU. Both parties discussed about how to promote the collaborations between the two countries’ companies, and speed up the project implementation process. Meanwhile, Mr. Xiong welcomed National Chamber of Commerce to become a member of Belt and Road Industrial and Commercial Alliance. Chairman Pan Liang also discussed with other participants during the signing ceremony regarding the possibility that have Sri Lanka as a permanent conference centre in South Asia and Southeast Asia for the Alliance.
After the conclave, Chairman Pan Liang was invited by his friend Mr. Gardiner, the Chairman of Galle Face Hotel Management Group, along with all the participants of the conclave, participated the formal dinner in Galle Face Hotel which is a historical hotel with more than 150-year history. Everyone enjoyed a feast of delicate food, elegant dancing and singing performance. With a toast by Chairman Pan Liang, Mr. Gardiner and Dr. Kohona, this conclave came to a successful ending.