SLBC Connecting Sri Lankan businesses and entrepreneurs with UAE Opportunities
- Entrepreneur
- May 6, 2025
The Sri Lankan Business Council has played a vital role in connecting Sri Lankan businesses and entrepreneurs with opportunities in the UAE to strengthen economic ties between the two nations, its top official says.
Suren Swaminathan, Chairman of the Sri Lankan Business Council (SLBC) UAE, said SLBC serves as a crucial bridge between Sri Lankan entrepreneurs and the UAE’s dynamic business ecosystem.
“We offer mentorship, advisory services, networking events, and business matchmaking opportunities. Our goal is to empower Sri Lankan professionals and businesses to succeed in the UAE while enhancing bilateral trade relations,” Swaminathan told Khaleej Times during an interview.
The Sri Lankan Business Council in Dubai & Northern Emirates was formed in the year 1991 under the umbrella of the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and Northern Emirates. Later it evolved into a registered Business Council under the auspices of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the year 2004 with the objective of fostering trade, investment, and professional collaboration between Sri Lanka and the UAE.
Over the years, SLBC has played a vital role in connecting Sri Lankan businesses and entrepreneurs with opportunities in the UAE, helping them navigate regulatory frameworks, providing market insights, and facilitating high-level networking. Through strategic initiatives, business forums, and trade delegations, SLBC has strengthened economic ties between the two nations.
The Ladies Wing of SLBC was created and given more importance by designating a Vice-Chairperson to lead the initiative. Now, almost 25 per cent of the membership consists of ladies, who have significantly enhanced the status of SLBC. They have successfully conducted the Cancer Awareness Workshop, graced by Maha Al Gargawi, Vice-President – Business Advocacy, Dubai Chamber; as the chief guest. In addition to business events, the Ladies Wing expanded its engagements by celebrating UAE National Day with a well-attended breakfast
As a registered Business Council under the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, what role does the SLBC play in supporting Sri Lankan entrepreneurs and professionals in the UAE?
SLBC serves as a crucial bridge between Sri Lankan entrepreneurs and the UAE’s dynamic business ecosystem. We offer mentorship, advisory services, networking events, and business matchmaking opportunities. Additionally, we work closely with UAE authorities and Sri Lankan government agencies to provide regulatory support, resolve trade barriers, and create avenues for growth across multiple sectors. Our goal is to empower Sri Lankan professionals and businesses to succeed in the UAE while enhancing bilateral trade relations.
Chairman Sri Lankan Business Council UAE Suren Swaminathan was honoured to accompany Ahmad Hamza, Executive Director of DMCC Free Zone; and Bassel Bitar, Regional Representative for Asia and Eastern Europe, on a visit to Colombo Port City. During the visit, he engaged in fruitful discussions with Revan Wickramasuriya, Managing Director of Colombo Port City Development.
What are some of the key achievements of the SLBC over the years that stand out in terms of business development, networking, and creating opportunities for Sri Lankans in the UAE?
SLBC has had several notable achievements, including:
- Organising and participating in high-profile trade delegations and forums, such as Expo 2020 Dubai, where Sri Lankan businesses showcased their capabilities on a global stage.
- Participating in the Sri Lanka Trade and Industry Exhibition in June 2024
- Facilitating B2B engagements between Sri Lankan exporters and UAE-based buyers, resulting in successful trade agreements.
- Strengthening collaborations with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and the Sri Lankan Export Development Board to enhance bilateral trade opportunities.
- Working closely with the Sri Lankan Embassy and Consulate promoting bilateral trade.
- We provide up-to-date market intelligence, conduct workshops on UAE business regulations, and assist with company registration and licensing procedures. Our business forums bring together experts from various industries to provide guidance on compliance, taxation, labor laws, and other key regulatory matters. We also act as an advocacy body, addressing challenges faced by Sri Lankan businesses in the UAE market.
The UAE has long been a key player in regional trade and investment. How do you see the UAE-Sri Lanka business relationship evolving in the coming years?
The UAE-Sri Lanka relationship is set to strengthen further, driven by the UAE’s position as a global trade hub and Sri Lanka’s strategic location in South Asia. As bilateral trade agreements expand, we anticipate increased investments in sectors such as tourism, logistics, IT, and agribusiness. Additionally, the UAE’s focus on food security presents significant opportunities for Sri Lankan agri-exports. Enhanced government collaborations and new free trade agreements will likely boost trade volumes and business partnerships.
- Agri-exports – Tea, spices, coconut-based products, and fresh produce have strong demand in the UAE.
- Hospitality & Tourism – With Sri Lanka being a popular travel destination, partnerships in tourism promotion and hotel investment are promising.
- IT & Tech Services – The UAE’s digital transformation offers immense opportunities for Sri Lankan IT firms.
- Construction & Engineering – With the UAE’s ongoing infrastructure expansion, Sri Lankan professionals and companies in this sector can tap into high-value contracts.
- Education & Training – Sri Lankan institutions and professionals can offer training and vocational education solutions in the UAE’s growing knowledge economy.
