The sixteenth Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka – Benelux Business Council (SLBBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was held recently.

Sri Lanka - Benelux Business Council was formed in April 1992 with a primary objective of promoting trade, investment, tourism and services between Sri Lanka and the Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg) and to promote mutual understanding and strengthen relationships between Sri Lanka and the Benelux countries.

Sri Lanka’s exports to Belgium decreased by 1.49% from Rs. 45,052 Million in 2007 to Rs. 44,380 Million in 2008. Imports from Belgium increased by 48 % from Rs. 24,359 Million in 2007 to Rs.36,067 Million in 2008. Trade balance was favourable to Sri Lanka, Rs. 8,313 million. The main export items to Belgium were precious and semi precious stones, Apparel and Clothing knitted and not knitted and Tobacco. The main import items were fertilizers, Organic chemicals, machinery and mechanical appliances, plastic and Plastic products.

Sri Lanka’s exports to Netherlands increased by 1.96% from Rs. 16,713 Million in 2007 to Rs.17,042 Million in 2008. Imports from Netherlands increased by 34.75% from Rs. 8,292 Million in 2007 to Rs.11,174 Million in 2008. The Trade balance was favourable to Sri Lanka, Rs. 5868 million. The main export items were apparel and clothing kitted and not knitted, tobacco, and black tea. The main import items were articles of Iron and Steel, Vehicles other than railway tramway, Machinery and mechanical appliances, preparations of cereals and flour.