A high-level business promotion programme held on 27th February 2026 in Bremen brought together major trade chambers, business associations, and prominent German companies, providing 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 EDB, attended the programme and its associated series of business meetings, coordinated by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin.
During the visit, the Chairman, EDB held discussions with representatives of the Bremen Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by its President, Mr. André Grobien, alongside 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, highlighting 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 to be held in 18-21 June 2026, which was positively received. Both parties further agreed to continue 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, EDB made 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, both parties shared views 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 sides explored avenues to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance trade and investment flows, and deepen cooperation within the framework of the European Union.
The programme, held on 27th February, 2026, 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.
