A high-level business promotion program held on February 27, 2026, in Bremen, brought together major trade chambers, business associations, and prominent German companies. This event offered an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Germany, explore prospects in the German market, and promote Sri Lanka Expo 2026 as a key international trade event.
At the invitation of OAV Bremen and the Bremen Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK Bremen), Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism, and Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and CEO of the Export Development Board (EDB), attended the program and its associated series of business meetings. These meetings were coordinated by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin.
During the visit, the Chairman of EDB engaged in discussions with representatives of the Bremen Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by its President, Mr. André Grobien. Joining the discussions were H.E. Waruni Muthukumarana, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Germany, Mr. Senuja Samaraweera, Minister Counsellor, and Ms. Thivanka Athuraliya, Counsellor and Head of Chancery at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin. The discussions focused on enhancing Sri Lanka’s export and investment prospects, emphasizing the country’s strategic advantages, including its transshipment capabilities and advanced port infrastructure.
Mr. Wijesinghe extended an official invitation to the President of IHK Bremen to lead a business delegation to Sri Lanka Expo 2026, scheduled for June 18-21, 2026, which was positively received. Both parties agreed to continue their engagement through a virtual follow-up meeting.
A business roundtable was also held at IHK Bremen, attended by board members of IHK Bremen and OAV Bremen, along with representatives of the German business community. The Sri Lankan delegation shared insights on the country’s economic landscape, investment opportunities, tourism potential, and skilled workforce. German participants showed particular interest in exploring opportunities in Sri Lanka’s logistics sector. The Chairman of EDB delivered a detailed presentation on Sri Lanka Expo 2026, encouraging German businesses to actively participate in the event.
In a separate meeting with Mr. Andreas Bovenschulte, Mayor of Bremen, discussions centered on potential collaborations in key sectors such as automotive, trade, and logistics, as well as expanding cooperation in tourism between the two countries. Further high-level discussions were held with Mr. Johann Wadephul, Federal Foreign Minister of Germany, where the two sides explored avenues to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance trade and investment flows, and deepen cooperation within the framework of the European Union.
The program concluded with the Sri Lankan delegation attending the 125th anniversary celebrations of the OAV Bremen Chapter at Bremen Town Hall. The Minister participated as the Guest of Honour and keynote speaker from Asia alongside Dr. Johann Wadephul, the Federal Foreign Minister of Germany. The event was attended by approximately 350 distinguished guests.
The EDB utilized the occasion to engage with German business leaders, address trade-related inquiries, promote Sri Lanka Expo 2026, and strengthen networks with German business organizations, paving the way for enhanced future collaboration.
