The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow, in collaboration with the Moscow Export Center, organized an interactive business dialogue to promote ‘Sri Lanka Expo 2027’, scheduled to be held in Colombo from 14–17 January 2027. The programme brought together Moscow-based companies and business representatives with the aim of attracting potential buyers, investors, joint-venture partners and business visitors to the Expo.
Opening the programme, Mr. Vitaly Stepanov, CEO of the Moscow Export Center, highlighted the significant economic potential of Moscow and the capacity of its business community to expand international partnerships. Moscow is Russia’s principal economic hub, hosting major corporations, technology companies and a growing start-up ecosystem. The Moscow region is home to more than 4,200 industrial and manufacturing enterprises and accounts for around 20% of Russia’s Gross Regional Product. Approximately 40% of bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and Russia is also connected to the Moscow region.
Addressing the participants, Ambassador Shobini Gunasekera reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to increasing bilateral trade beyond the current level of USD 700 million. She invited Moscow-based companies to explore emerging opportunities in food and beverages, industrial supplies, information technology, tourism and logistics, while encouraging greater investment and joint ventures with Sri Lankan partners.
The Ambassador also highlighted Sri Lanka’s strategic market access through existing Free Trade Agreements with India, Pakistan, Thailand and Singapore, as well as preferential market access through GSP+ with the European Union and the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement, providing opportunities for investors targeting regional and international markets.
Representing the Sri Lanka–Russia Business Council, Mr. Hiran Karunaratne invited Moscow-based companies to submit one-page business profiles for publication on the Council’s website to facilitate direct business linkages with Sri Lankan companies.
Ms. Indumini Kodikara and Ms. Saumya Kannangara made a detailed presentation on Expo 2027, outlining opportunities for Russian companies to participate as buyers, investors, exhibitors and business visitors. Mr. Sanjeewa Bandara, Commercial Officer of the Embassy, presented an overview of Sri Lanka’s key industries and export sectors, highlighting areas with potential for increased cooperation with Moscow-based businesses.
The Embassy encouraged participating companies to use Sri Lanka Expo 2027 as a platform to establish new commercial partnerships, identify sourcing opportunities and explore investment and joint-venture prospects in Sri Lanka.
