Sri Lanka to promote trade at SAITEX in South Africa

From left: Thiloma Abeyjeewa, Stephen McQueen, Sampath Perera, Sunil de Silva, the High Commissioner to South Africa,  Andries Nel , Deputy Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Daryl Swanepoel, Convener of ANC – Progressive Business Forum, Nimal Senadheera, Kapila J. Kumara, Commercial Secretary of Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria.          

Sri Lanka Tea Board in collaboration with Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria  participated  at the Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX 2016) held in Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from 19th  to 21st June.  

Akbar Brothers Pvt Ltd, a leading Sri Lankan tea exporter exhibited its products   under the Tea Board pavilion at the Africa’s Big Seven, The Continent’s largest annual Food & Beverage Industry trade event co-located with SAITEX.  The Tea Board Pavilion was declared open by Andries Nel, Deputy Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Sunil De Silva,  the High Commissioner to South Africa  by lighting traditional oil lamp on 19th June.  

Daryl Swanepoel, Convener of ANC- Progressive Business Forum and Willie van der Schyf, Councillor of City of Johannesburg, were also among other dignitaries participated at the Opening Ceremony at Sri Lanka pavilion. 

 The Ceylon tea serving and promotional campaign was carried out at the pavilion by highlighting and showcasing the geographical branding, Ceylon tea grades and its unique identity. 
Around 1000 visitors have tasted a cup of pure Ceylon tea at the tea serving sessions took place throughout exhibition period at the pavilion. Further, As per Sanjeewa Jayawardena, Marketing Manager, M/s Akbar Brothers Pvt Ltd has received firm inquiries for its products from South African importers and distributors who visited SAITEX 2016 and they are highly satisfied with what they were able to achieve in South Africa.