SAARC CCI President Dhakal calls on Sri Lanka FM Vijitha Herath

KATHMANDU, July 18: Chandi Raj Dhakal, president of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI), called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka, Vijitha Herath, during his visit to Sri Lanka since assuming the Presidency of SAARC CCI.

Dhakal was accompanied by a high level business delegation comprising Rohitha Silva, president of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) and Senior Vice President of SAARC CCI; Ruwan Edirisinghe, former president of SAARC CCI; Ruwan De Silva, EC Member of SAARC CCI; Dhammika Lokuge, GA Member of SAARC CCI; Zulfiqar Butt, secretary general of SAARC CCI; Abbas Kamrudeen, vice-chair of SYEF (Sri Lanka); Tilan Wijesooriya, associate director of SAARC CCI and other members of the delegation.

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During the meeting, Dhakal apprised Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister of SAARC CCI's initiatives and activities to promote regional trade, investment, and economic cooperation among SAARC member states. He highlighted the role of the Chamber in strengthening private sector engagement and fostering closer business relations across the region.

Dhakal requested the Sri Lankan minister to use his good offices and support efforts towards the convening of the SAARC Summit. He emphasized that the revival of the Summit would contribute to the regularization of SAARC activities and the effective functioning of its apex bodies, thereby strengthening regional cooperation and economic integration.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister welcomed Dhakal on his maiden visit to Sri Lanka since assuming the Presidency of SAARC CCI and appreciated the efforts of the Chamber in promoting regional economic cooperation. He acknowledged the important role of the private sector in bringing SAARC member nations closer through increased trade and business collaboration.

The Sri Lankan Minister said he would explore how it could play its constructive role in facilitating the convening of the SAARC Summit and in bringing member nations together to further strengthen regional cooperation. He reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to encouraging dialogue, collaboration, and partnerships among SAARC countries.