AHK Sri Lanka orchestrated over 15 B2B meetings, fostering connections between the Sri Lankan delegation and potential business partners and buyers from Germany and the EU. The highlight of the delegation's itinerary was a bilateral dialogue with the prestigious German Health Alliance (GHA), which is considered as the international voice of the German health industry.
During the discussion, H.E. Varuni Muthukumarana, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Germany, conveyed the current status and opportunities in the Sri Lankan medical sector to GHA Co-chairs, Ms. Caroline Ihle and Mr. Armin Smajilovic. Stressing the pivotal role of regulatory frameworks, technology, and know-how transfer, Ambassador Muthukumarana sought collaborative support from GHA to streamline regulatory processes in Sri Lanka and amplify business opportunities. In addition to these discussions, the Ambassador requested support to implement the good practices of GHA and its members to develop the Sri Lankan medical and health sector registration and regulation procedures.
Ambassador Muthukumarana extended an invitation to GHA members to visit Sri Lanka on a fact-finding mission, which could include a conference to facilitate direct engagement and collaboration with both private and public sector stakeholders. Additionally, she encouraged GHA to explore the potential of Sri Lanka as a small yet high-value component manufacturing destination, showcasing the country's capabilities in contributing to the global healthcare supply chain. The multifaceted approach outlined by the Ambassador reflects a strategic vision for advancing Sri Lanka's medical and health sector with the support and expertise of GHA and its members.
In response to the fruitful conversation, GHA Co-Chairs, Mr. Armin Smajilovic and Mrs. Caroline Ihle, expressed their willingness to support Sri Lankan private and public sector stakeholders with knowledge and know-how transfer. They proposed the development of a mid and long-term roadmap, including webinars, conferences, and training sessions, to ensure a sustainable strategy, while also acknowledging the potential of the fact-finding mission.
In a proactive stance, Mr. Smajilovic and Mrs. Ihle requested details of any medical-related exhibitions in Sri Lanka, expressing their intent to explore such events for enhanced networking and collaboration opportunities. Additionally, they sought information on Sri Lankan public and private tenders, with the aim of sharing these details with the GHA membership, fostering greater participation and engagement in the Sri Lankan healthcare landscape. The proactive and collaborative approach outlined by the GHA Co-chairs reflects a commitment to forging meaningful partnerships and driving positive impact in the Sri Lankan medical and health sector.
Moreover, while participating in the exhibition, Mr. S. Prabhu, Director of Emar Pharma and the immediate past president of the Sri Lanka Chamber of Medical Devices Industry (SLCMDI), emphasized, "I am firmly convinced that Medica presents an invaluable opportunity for industry representatives that we simply cannot overlook. It not only serves as the ideal platform to explore the latest products and technologies within the sector but also, the meetings facilitated by AHK Sri Lanka add significant value to the entire industry."
Mr. Malintha Gajanayake, Head of Corporate Affairs/Export Promotion at AHK Sri Lanka, affirmed that medical and health are recognised as key sectors, and AHK Sri Lanka remains dedicated to creating a business-friendly environment for both countries.
AHK Sri Lanka is part of the German Chamber Network supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). With 150 locations in 93 countries around the world, the members of the German Chamber Network (AHKs) offer their experience, connections, and services to German and companies of the respective partner countries. AHKs are located in all countries of particular importance to German companies and are closely connected to the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs) in Germany.
For more information on trade fairs, please contact:
Mr. Malintha Gajanayake
Head of Corporate Affairs / Export Promotions
Email: malintha@srilanka.ahk.de
Telephone: +94 11 2314 364
Website: https://shorturl.at/hsBCI