BRISBANE BRIDGES ASIA WITH SRI LANKA

THREE Brisbane companies just invested more than $150,000 dollars in Sri Lanka.

In a business 'matchmaking' event, more than 25 Sri Lankan tech businesses pitched Australian delegates for investment at a business event held by the Sri Lanka and Australia Chamber of Commerce (SLACC) earlier this year.

SLACC President Kalum De Silva (pictured) says the visit was an integral part of the Chamber's strategic focus on bi-lateral economic development between Australian and Sri Lanka businesses.

"We are thrilled with the attendance and result of the mission which aimed to foster greater cooperation and collaboration between Australia and Sri Lanka in all trade related matters," De Silva says.

"By fostering a close relationship between the two countries, via public and private sector engagement SLACC aims to increase trade and profitability between Sri Lanka and Australia."

Australian delegate and Brisbane business Techniche chairman, Karl Jacoby, says the visit resulted in Techniche investing more deeply into Sri Lanka's ICT sector.

Techniche comprises a group of tech companies and investments, primarily in clean technology services.

"Techniche has already successfully used a number of Sri Lankan companies in the areas of ICT support, digital marketing, and outsourced services which has led to new opportunities for our business," Jacoby says.

"As a result of this visit, we will be considering whether we could use some additional outsourced development capability, and I will personally be considering a number of investment opportunities in Sri Lankan businesses."

SLACC has committed to another business mission for Sri Lankan delegates to be held on the Gold Coast between 25 to 27 October.

SLACC is calling for Australian businesses in the IT, tourism, manufacturing and specialty food industries interested in a similar mission to be involved in the World Export Development Forum (WEDF) in Sri Lanka from 11 -13 October.

The event will bring together more than 600 business leaders, policymakers, heads of trade and investment support institutions and international trade development officials to address international competitiveness for developing countries.