Exhibition-2021 “Ceylon Products-Growing Friendship”
& Tea Stakeholders’ Gathering in Tehran
Sri Lanka Embassy in Iran in collaboration with Sri Lanka Tea Board organized an Agricultural Export Exhibition-2021 “Ceylon Products-Growing Friendship” together with a Tea Stakeholders’ Gathering at the Chancery premises on 06th December 2021. Over 75 invitees comprising of relevant stakeholders, including tea associations, leading importers, retailers, prominent businessmen and media personnel were in attendance. Objectives of the event were to promote Sri Lankan tea and other agricultural export products in Iran and interact with the relevant stakeholders.
Ambassador Vipulatheja Wishwanath Aponsu in his welcome address highlighting the significance of this first ever Agricultural Export Exhibition together with Tea Stakeholders Gathering in Tehran, emphasized the unique characteristics of Ceylon Tea, other food and beverage products with numerous health benefits. He requested all participants to extend their support in promoting Sri Lankan agricultural export products in Iran specially enabling the country to retain its tea market in Iran.
Chairman of Sri Lanka Tea Board Jayampathy Molligoda delivering keynote address, gave overall outlook of the tea industry of Sri Lanka, the stringent quality control measures of tea products, present status of Sri Lanka tea export market and future plans, targets and strategies in promoting Ceylon tea in Iran. While explaining World tea market, Chairman underlined that Iran is an important market for Sri Lanka as the country is among the top seven largest tea buyers in the world market.
The interactive session of the event created a platform for Iranian tea importers to sort out their issues, barriers and challenges directly from Sri Lanka Tea Board officials. The exhibition was inaugurated by Head of Iran Tea Association Hamidreza Movassaghi and displayed a wide range of Ceylon tea and other agricultural export products including coconut, species, dried fruits and herbal plants.
The Chairman Hamidreza Movassaghi, in his brief remarks, thanked the Sri Lanka Ambassador and his staff for the invitation to him and the representatives of both Exhibition and Gathering for the fruitful day. He assured his Association’s fullest support to promote Ceylon Tea in Iran and requested Sri Lankan authorities to continue their export to Iran in good quality with the Iranian standards.
Participants showed great interest on the presentation of the benefits of “Ayurveda” products in Sri Lanka by Dr. Sarath Gunawardhana of the Adithya Ayurvedic Hospital. A documentary on Ceylon Tea was also screened.
The participants were treated to a high tea arranged by the Embassy. A gift pack of Sri Lankan tea and tokens was presented to all guests.
Sri Lanka Embassy in Tehran
06th December 2021