German companies see enormous potential in Sri Lanka and are committed to invest in the country amidst the turbulent times for the economy, said German Ambassador to Sri Lanka Joern Rohde.
He was addressing the media on the partnership entered into between the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) and Hafele, a leading home interior solutions Germany brand last week.
The partnership was inked at the AHK office in Colombo in the presence of the German Ambassador to Sri Lanka Joern Rohde, AHK Sri Lanka Chief Delegate Andreas Hergenroether , Hafele South Asia Managing Director Jurgen Wolf and Hafele South Asia International Business Head Saurav Das.
“German businesses have placed confidence in Sri Lanka especially in the real estate businesses that is showing some promising times amidst the gloom that overshadowed the country in the past. We are optimistic that the market for all business sectors will re-bounce and the economy will regain momentum,” the ambassador said adding that Germany has been and will continue to support Sri Lanka with technical assistance and the know-how.
Sri Lanka and Germany have maintained healthy bilateral relation over the years with strong trade relations. Sri Lanka exported to Europe around US$ 3 billion worth of goods last year which US$ 800 million was to Germany.
Around 250 German companies conduct businesses in Sri Lanka as fully owned or joint venture entities in the apparel, food, construction chemicals, industrial glass, real estate and retail businesses.
“There were couple of German companies keen to invest in Sri Lanka last. A Sri Lankan delegation visited Germany last year to promote the location for businesses. We are holding discussion with the new government to assist to promote and build trade relations and increase German investments in Sri Lanka,” AHK Sri Lanka Chief Delegate Andreas Hergenroether said.
For over 60 years diplomatic relations between Germany and Sri Lanka have a provided sound basis for cooperation and for several years Sri Lanka’s exports to Germany have been worth about twice as much as its imports from Germany which is Sri Lanka’s third largest import export market.
“The Hafele and AHK Sri Lanka partnership is a clear indication of the confidence placed on Sri Lanka by German businesses and we are confident more companies based in Germany and also else where in the world would be encouraged by these positive sentiments,” Hergenroether said, adding that AHK Sri Lanka is delighted to partner a reputed German brand as one of the premier platinum partners for 2020. He said AHK Sri Lanka is optimistic that Hafele has taken one of the best platforms to enhance their visibility, exposure to enhance their business opportunities in Sri Lanka.
Hafele South Asia Managing Director Jurgen Wolf said partnering with AHK Sri Lanka , the company expects to grow its opportunities in the Sri Lankan market by working in collaboration with the chamber .
“Our primary focus is to further explore opportunities in projects and hospitality sector and contributing to the development of the sector through participation in tourism and constriction committees. Hafele is confident that the tie-up with AHK will ensure a much closer relationship between the organization and will open up opportunities in the future,” Wolf said.
Hafele offers a plethora of solutions ranging from door hardware to furniture and kitchen fittings and related product categories such as home appliances, furniture lighting, sanitary fittings and interior surfaces.