The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Brazil Sumith Dassanayake, undertook an official visit to Sao Paulo, the Trade and Economic hub of Brazil, from 27 to 30 November 2023.
During the visit, Ambassador Dassanayake held meetings with International Affairs Secretary of São Paulo State Government, Lucas Ferraz, Executive Secretary of São Paulo State Government, Marco Rocha, Council of Consulates and International Chamber of Commerce Coordinator of São Paulo Chamber of Commerce, Ricardo Cateb Cury, Special Adviser for Foreign Affairs of São Paulo Chamber of Commerce, Maurício Manfre, CEO of São Paulo Supermarket Association, Carlos Correa, Market Strategy Officer of Brazilian Tourism Agencies Association, Marianna Alcorta, Vice President Sales and Marketing of Brazilian Supermarket Association, Celso Furtado, and Director Commercial of Brazilian Supermarket Association, Alexandre Magno.
During the meetings, the Brazilian officials assured their willingness to further expand relations with Sri Lanka in diverse fields vis-à-vis trade, investment, tourism and also in the service sector etc.,
Further, availability of opportunities for Brazilian investors in the Colombo Port City, Southern Hambanthota Port area, and Tea plantations etc., were highlighted during the discussions.
The Ambassador Dassanayake also discussed the possibility of Sri Lankan construction companies entering into the construction sector in the São Paulo State.
The Brazilian officials also underscored the importance of Sri Lankan companies’ participation at trade fairs organized in Sao Paulo i.e. APAS Show, ABRAS Food Retail Future and ABAV EXPO 2024, to expand networks with Brazilian counterparts.
Under the facilitation of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brazil, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Sao Paulo Chamber of Commerce and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was signed on 14th September 2021.
Ranil, Lula hold talks at COP28
President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in a significant meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the side-lines of the United Nations COP28 Climate Change Conference in Dubai.
According to the President's Media Division, the discussion highlighted the shared challenges posed by the Climate Change crisis in both countries.
President Wickremesinghe extended an invitation to the Brazilian President to join the Tropical Belt Initiative, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts through the Tropical Belt Initiative to address and mitigate these concerns impacting both Sri Lanka and Brazil.
President Wickremesinghe also invited President Lula da Silva to visit Sri Lanka.
