On September 12, 2017 the Embassy of Sri Lanka organized the first ever networking session with leading Sri Lankan exporters of natural spices and coconut products in the framework of the International Food and Beverages Exhibition "WORLD FOOD 2017" which was held in Moscow from 11-14 September 2017.
The event was organized with the support of the Department of Commerce under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka and attended by more than 60 representatives of Russian companies interested in establishing cooperation and supplying coconut products and Ceylon spices to the Russian market.
The event started with the welcome speech given by H. E. Dr. Saman Weerasinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Russia. He noted that "now is the best time to explore other ways to develop bilateral relations on the corporate business sector level and identify new products as potential lines of exports". H. E. the Ambassador expressed his hope that the networking session could be a beginning of a new and very promising chapter in the history of trade cooperation between Sri Lanka and Russia, as coconut products and spices had a great potential as lines of export, considering that lately the Russian consumers had started demonstrating the preference towards virgin and organic coconut products and natural and rare spices.
During the session, four Sri Lankan delegates gave presentations on their companies and production and what benefits and advantages Ceylon coconut products and spices have over their substitutes from other countries. Also, the Embassy demonstrated two video clips which helped the audience understand the whole process of manufacturing of coconut products, such as powder and oil, in Sri Lanka as well as introduced them into the bright and colorful world of spices.
Many Russian guests pointed out the efficiency of such networking session and expressed their confidence that the event was a great opportunity for them to learn more about the Sri Lankan coconut products and spices industry and to establish prospective business connections with Sri Lankan speakers of the evening.
