The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne, in collaboration with the China Chamber of Commerce of Australia (CCCA), Melbourne Branch, facilitated a high-level business engagement between the Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development of Sri Lanka and representatives of leading Victorian-based Chinese conglomerates on 19 August 2026. The Deputy Minister was visiting Melbourne from 18 to 21 August 2026 to attend the “Invest Sri Lanka” Investor Forum.

The event brought together leading Victorian-based Chinese business representatives from a range of sectors, including finance, logistics and services, providing an opportunity to exchange views on strengthening economic and commercial engagement between Sri Lanka and Victoria.

Delivering the welcome remarks, President of the Victoria Chapter of the China Chamber of Commerce in Australia, Lei Bian, welcomed the Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and appreciated his engagement with leading Chinese business representatives in Victoria. He noted the interest among participating companies in exploring investment opportunities and developing mutually beneficial economic partnerships with Sri Lanka.

The Deputy Minister outlined investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka across a range of sectors, including agriculture, mineral sands, shipping and logistics, and highlighted opportunities available through CHEC Port City Colombo. He invited Victorian-based Chinese companies to consider establishing regional headquarters and expanding their operations through Sri Lanka.

Deputy Minister Abeysinghe also invited members of the China Chamber of Commerce in Australia to participate in Sri Lanka EXPO 2027, providing an opportunity to explore potential partnerships, investment opportunities and avenues for expanding bilateral trade and business cooperation.

The meeting was attended by Vice President of the China Chamber of Commerce in Australia and President of the CCCA Melbourne Branch, Lei Bian; General Manager of YTO Global (Logistics), William Bai; Assistant General Manager of China Merchants Bank, Melbourne Branch, Yuan Tian; Executive Director of MA Financial Group, Celia Shi; and Secretary General of the CCCA Melbourne Branch and Head of Operations, CITIC Resources Australia Pty. Ltd., Victoria Jiang.

Deputy Minister Abeysinghe was accompanied by Consul General, Pradeepa Saram, and Consul, Fazil Farook, at the meeting.

The discussions underscored the potential for stronger commercial links between Sri Lanka and Victorian-based Chinese businesses, particularly in investment, supply-chain development, logistics, trade and regional business expansion.

Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Melbourne

22 August 2026