In the framework of the visit to the XI INNOPROM industrial trade fair which was held from 5-8 July 2021, in Ekaterinburg, the Sri Lankan delegation headed by H.E. Prof. M.D. Lamawansa, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation accompanied by Ms. Thavishya Mullegamgoda, first secretary (Commercial) and Ms. Olessya Romanova, interpreter of Sri Lanka Embassy in Russia met Hon. Vasilii Kozlov, Minister of International and Foreign Economic Relations of the Sverdlovsk Region of Russian Federation on 07th July 2021 in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

Welcoming the Sri Lankan delegation, Hon. Minister briefly gave an overview of the Sverdlovsk Region of Russian Federation. The Sverdlovsk region, one of the largest territories in Russia is located on the geographical border between Europe and Asia. The Sverdlovsk region is specialized in energy sector, electricity, electrical equipment, steel & metal industry, medical equipment, machinery sector, etc. and agglomeration of industries in the Sverdlovsk region is four times higher than the national average. The Sverdlovsk region is third-largest transportation hub in Russia.
Ambassador Prof. M.D. Lamawansa discussed topical issues of the development of Sri Lanka – Russian Federation relations of friendship both in bilateral and international arena. The potential areas for strengthening interaction between the two countries were also considered during the detailed conversation. Sri Lankan delegation extensively discussed about potential trade and investment opportunities in various sectors including apparel, rubber-based products, IT enabled services, tourism & hospitality sector, agriculture-based products & food processing, medical devices and pharmaceutical manufacturing, electronics & electrical industry, logistics, infrastructure development etc. available in Sri Lanka for companies based in the Sverdlovsk Region of Russia.
Considering the INNOPROM industrial trade fair, Sri Lankan side mentioned that the Embassy would encourage relevant Sri Lankan organizations to arrange a suitable Sri Lankan delegation to visit INNOPROM trade fair 2022 in Ekaterinburg. It was suggested to get more details about vocational training institute, organic research institute and medical conferences in the Sverdlovsk Region of Russia, to promote cooperation and establish links between the two countries in higher education, R&D and vocational training sectors. Further, Sri Lankan side invited the Minister of International and Foreign Economic Relations of the Sverdlovsk Region of Russian Federation to send a high level business and investor delegation to visit Sri Lanka in near future. The bilateral meeting was conducted in a highly interactive and productive manner, and the Russian side expressed its willingness to work closely with Sri Lankan authorities to intensify the existing relations between the two countries.