Ajman Chamber charts path to deeper economic partnership with Sri Lanka
A meeting between Ajman Chamber and Sri Lanka's diplomatic representation signals expanding trade prospects and investment collaboration across multiple sectors, from fintech to food security.
Within the distinctive commercial ecosystem that Ajman has cultivated, conversations between Salem Al Suwaidi, Director-General of Ajman Chamber, and Alexi Gunasekera, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, have opened a considered dialogue about the possibilities that bilateral economic cooperation might yield. The discussion, held at the Chamber’s headquarters, reflected a growing confidence in deepening ties between the emirate and the island nation.
The meeting brought together a purposeful delegation that included Ali Rashid Al Kaitoob, Executive Director of the Studies and Investment Development Sector, Fatma Fatima Yaqoob Al Awadhi, Head of the Investment Attraction Section at Ajman Chamber, and Subhashini Silva, Deputy Consul General of Sri Lanka. Their focus centred on the mechanics of bilateral trade development, joint investment structures, and the strategic sectors that might anchor such collaboration.
Central to the discussion was an invitation extended to Ajman Chamber to participate in Expo Sri Lanka 2027, scheduled for January 2027. The exposition will showcase key sectors including industrial manufacturing, agricultural products and services, renewable energy, tourism, healthcare, modern technologies and innovation. Both delegations explored the possibility of establishing Memoranda of Understanding designed to crystallise economic cooperation and broaden the scope of mutual partnerships.
The Ajman Chamber delegation presented a comprehensive overview of the emirate’s investment landscape, emphasising its agile business environment and the diversity of sectors offering substantial growth potential. Of particular significance was an invitation to the Sri Lankan representatives to attend the launch ceremony of the “Thara” Investment and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, which reflects Ajman’s broader commitment to enhanced business connectivity and streamlined services for entrepreneurs seeking to establish ventures in the region.
The two delegations identified fintech, machinery and industrial equipment, education, food security, and advanced information technology as priority areas for collaborative exploration. Gunasekera provided detail on Sri Lanka’s economic priorities and the sectors the nation is actively targeting for foreign investment, articulating a vision of mutual benefit that extends beyond traditional trade dynamics.
The exchange of commemorative shields and gifts at the meeting’s conclusion signified the formal nature of the engagement, yet the substance lay in the commitment to sustained dialogue and collaborative endeavour. This interaction exemplifies Ajman Chamber’s consistent approach to international economic engagement, wherein chamber leadership actively cultivates relationships with trading partners across multiple continents.
What it means for Abu Dhabi
This development underscores the United Arab Emirates’ expanding economic influence in Asia and the Indian Ocean region. Ajman’s proactive engagement with Sri Lanka, a strategically positioned nation in global maritime commerce and an emerging hub for technology and manufacturing, signals the emirate’s commitment to diversifying its economic partnerships and positioning itself within broader Asian trade networks.
For businesses based in Abu Dhabi and across the emirates, the potential establishment of formal economic frameworks with Sri Lanka creates avenues for expanded market access, supply chain diversification, and investment opportunities in sectors aligned with regional priorities including renewable energy and digital innovation. The dialogue also reflects the UAE’s sophisticated approach to international economic statecraft, wherein individual emirates develop tailored partnerships suited to their particular business environments and sectoral strengths.