A high-level business promotion programme in Bremen has provided a platform for Sri Lanka to deepen trade ties with Germany while promoting the upcoming Sri Lanka Expo 2026 as a major international trade and investment event.
The programme, held on 27 February and organized in collaboration with the Bremen Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK Bremen) and the OAV – German Asia-Pacific Business Association, brought together leading German companies, trade chambers and business associations to explore opportunities in Sri Lanka’s export and investment sectors.
Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, together with Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), attended the event and a series of related business meetings arranged by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin.
During the visit, Wijesinghe held discussions with representatives of the Bremen Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by its President André Grobien, together with Waruni Muthukumarana, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Germany, and officials of the Sri Lankan mission in Berlin. Talks focused on strengthening Sri Lanka’s export and investment prospects and highlighting the country’s strategic advantages, particularly its role as a regional transshipment hub supported by modern port infrastructure.
The EDB Chairman also extended an invitation to the President of IHK Bremen to lead a German business delegation to Sri Lanka for Sri Lanka Expo 2026, scheduled for 18–21 June 2026 in Colombo. The proposal received a positive response, with both sides agreeing to continue engagement through a virtual follow-up meeting.
A business roundtable hosted by IHK Bremen brought together board members of IHK Bremen and OAV Bremen alongside representatives of the German private sector. The Sri Lankan delegation presented an overview of the country’s economic outlook, investment climate, tourism potential and skilled workforce. German participants expressed particular interest in opportunities within Sri Lanka’s logistics and trade-related sectors.
Wijesinghe also delivered a detailed presentation on Sri Lanka Expo 2026, encouraging German companies to participate in the event, which is expected to showcase Sri Lanka’s export capabilities and investment potential to international buyers and investors.
In addition, the delegation met with Andreas Bovenschulte, Mayor of Bremen, to discuss possible cooperation in sectors such as automotive, trade and logistics, as well as opportunities to expand tourism links between the two countries.
Further high-level discussions were held with Johann Wadephul, Germany’s Federal Foreign Minister, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing trade and investment flows, and deepening cooperation between Sri Lanka and the European Union.
The visit concluded with the Sri Lankan delegation attending the 125th anniversary celebration of the OAV Bremen Chapter at Bremen Town Hall. The event, attended by around 350 distinguished guests, featured Minister Herath as Guest of Honour and keynote speaker from Asia.
According to the EDB, the programme enabled Sri Lanka to engage directly with German business leaders, address trade-related inquiries and strengthen networks with key business organizations, paving the way for increased commercial collaboration and participation at Sri Lanka Expo 2026.
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