The Ambassador of Sri Lanka, Shobini Gunasekera held productive discussions with the Vice Trade Minister Mr Aidar Abildabekov and the Actg Tourism Minister Mr Serik Zharasbayev of Kazakhstan on expanding economic cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan, during her visit to Kazakhstan to present credentials and formally commence engagements.
During the meeting, both sides explored opportunities to enhance bilateral trade and investment, particularly in key sectors where Sri Lanka holds strong competitive advantages. Discussions focused on increasing trade in Ceylon Tea, seafood, gems and jewellery, apparels, information technology services, and energy cooperation, while also identifying new avenues for business to business partnerships. Following the meeting with the Ministry of Trade, Ambassador also had a meeting with the Atameken Chamber for international commerce to discuss organizing a business delegation for Sri Lanka Expo 2026.
The discussion with the Vice Minister of Tourism, emphasised on promoting greater tourism connectivity, niche tourism experiences, and the organization of familiarization tours (FAM tours) for travel operators and media from Kazakhstan to Sri Lanka. These initiatives aim to showcase Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offerings, including wellness tourism, cultural heritage, nature and wildlife experiences.
Both sides also recognized the importance of enhancing air connectivity as a key driver for tourism and business exchanges. In this context, discussions included the possibility of concluding an Air Services Agreement, which would facilitate improved travel links and further strengthen people-to-people contacts between the two countries. Thereafter Ambassador had a meeting with the Head of Kazakhstan Travel Agents Association in Astana to explore possibilities for niche market tourism from Kazakhstan.
During her stay, Ambassador also had a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education to see opportunities for academic collaboration, student mobility, and research partnerships.
