While attending the XXIV International Economic Forum which was held from 2-5 June 2021 in St. Petersburg in Russian Federation, the Sri Lankan delegation led by Hon. Wimal Weerawansa, Minister of Industries of Sri Lanka and Hon. Ajith Nivard Cabraal State Minister of Money & Capital Market and State Enterprise Reforms of Sri Lanka had fruitful discussion with successful Sri Lankan entrepreneurs based in Moscow, Russia. H.E. Prof. M.D. Lamawansa, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation also joined the meeting in Moscow.

Both ministers extensively discussed about trade and investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka in different sectors for Russian businessmen and future joint venture cooperation possibilities with the Russian side in different spheres including gem & jewellery sector, Ceylon tea, Ceylon spices etc. The ways and means available for increasing number of tourist arrival to Sri Lanka from Russia have also been discussed by both sides.
Two ministers further informed the Sri Lankan business crowd based in Moscow about foreign direct investments or joint venture opportunities available in Sri Lankan for Russian companies in sectors such as tourism & entertainment, information technology & business process outsourcing, international trade, shipping logistic operations, offshore banking & financial services, shipbuilding, pharmaceutical sector, oil refinery expansion projects, nuclear energy projects, chemical industry etc.
Furthermore, Sri Lankan businessmen based in Moscow explained two ministers about some challenges faced by them when doing business with the Russian side and discussed ways and means and cooperation possibilities with the Russian side for overcoming those challenges with the expectation of increasing trade with Sri Lanka in future.