CBF at CHOGM The Hon Kevin Rudd MP Prime Minister, Australia & Chair in Office of the Commonwealth “The 53 nations of the Commonwealth .... represent more than one quarter of the world's population. We represent one third of the world's countries. We represent about one fifth of the world trade. We represent about one quarter of the total membership of the G20.”
The Right Hon Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak, Prime Minister, Malaysia “I am of the view that the Commonwealth Business Forum is an ideal platform for the business community to network, exchange valuable experience and knowledge, as well as explore business opportunities and collaboration in areas of interest “
Hon Dr Lawrence Gonzi Former Prime Minister, Malta “In the short time since its inception in 1997, the Commonwealth Business Forum has successfully demonstrated the Commonwealth’s continuing capacity to meet the changing needs of its members - small and large economies alike - by developing practical ways of facilitating trade and investment”
HE Goodluck Jonathan President, Nigeria “I thank the CBC for creating the environment and providing this platform and for supporting Africa’s development by organizing this dialogue. This collaboration must be the beginning of a structured and mutually beneficial engagement between the Commonwealth business community and Africa.”
HE Paul Kagame President, Rwanda “I appreciate the unwavering support received from CBC during Rwanda's application to join the Commonwealth. Now that Rwanda is a formal member, we look forward to an even stronger partnership to promote business and investment not only in our country, but in Africa as a whole.”
Hon Kamla Persad Bissessar Prime Minister, Trinidad And Tobago “I extend warmest congratulations to the Commonwealth Business Council for its foresight in bringing together such a distinguished group of businessmen, entrepreneurs, investors and financiers for the purpose of fostering economic partnerships for the benefit of the family of Commonwealth nations. “
HE Yoweri Museveni President, Uganda “Amongst the Commonwealth countries, there is significant untapped potential. With active involvement of the private sector in partnership with governments, this potential can be harnessed in a wide range of sectors...CBF provides an ideal platform to help achieve these goals in order to promote economic growth and sustainable development”
Welcome Message by His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka Ayubowan On behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to the Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF). The CBF is an integral part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) that is being jointly organized by the Government of Sri Lanka and the Commonwealth Business Council. Sri Lanka, as a founder member of the modern Commonwealth, considers it a great honour to host CHOGM and its parallel events. The theme of CBF 2013 is “Partnership for Wealth Creation and Social Development: The Commonwealth, Indian Ocean and SAARC�. This theme is indeed timely and relevant to us for several reasons. First, South Asia is home to some of the fastest growing economies in the world today, although equitable wealth creation is still a challenge for the policy makers. Second, social development, which is fostered by inclusive growth strategies, has been lagging in several countries in the Commonwealth including some in the Indian Ocean regions, and private entrepreneurship, global linkages and strong institutional support are therefore needed to sustain this growth momentum and make it inclusive. In that background, the time is now ripe for the Commonwealth, Indian Ocean and SAARC countries to use the opportunities of their long standing relationships as they move into this new era of development. The Commonwealth has a combination of developed and developing countries with diverse cultures and traditions. This diversity creates a fertile ground for the exchange of technological know-how, skills and investments that would foster sustainable economic partnerships between businesses and Governments in the Commonwealth. While technology and investment are necessary, nations must also develop healthy interactions to build strong institutions that could convert the decisions and agreements reached at these international fora, into realistic practices and processes that would deliver the desired outcomes. Sri Lanka is delighted to host CBF 2013 as we too have embarked on a journey of rapid and inclusive growth. The country is now well positioned to become an important economic centre in the region, with the launch of an ambitious five hub strategy for economic development. Under this strategy, aviation, commercial, energy, knowledge and naval hubs will connect South Asia to the rest of the world. I am confident that the Governments, businesses and all other participants at this forum will benefit by the opportunity to network and build lasting relationships. Needless to say, the benefits of partnerships amongst us, can lead to significant growth, improving the prospects of all participants to serve their communities and countries. Let me therefore, with great pleasure, welcome you to the Commonwealth Business Forum 2013 in Colombo, and wish you success in all your endeavours. Mahinda Rajapaksa President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Forum Overview Peter Callaghan, Director General Commonwealth Business Council The Commonwealth Business Forum 2013 will be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on the 12 -14 November on the eve of, and in conjunction with, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The Forum will focus on the theme “Partnering for Wealth Creation and Social Development: The Commonwealth, Indian Ocean, Pacific and SAARC”. The Forum will highlight new global economic partnerships for trade and investment in key sectors across the Commonwealth and beyond. The Commonwealth Business Forum as a unique gathering of business leaders from developed and emerging markets will focus on building the new economic and financial architecture in the global economy and ensure that it is inclusive and beneficial to all. This year’s Forum will focus on the potential for partnership centred around one of the fastest growing regions of the world; the Indian Ocean Rim. The Commonwealth Business Forum is a must attended event for businesses looking to access the enormous potential of the Emerging Markets and or to expand their operations there. The Forum will be attended by government and business from across, Asia, Africa, Europe and further afield and is invaluable for discovering new potential partners or opportunities for investment or business. The Commonwealth Business Forum provides a unique opportunity for business and government to: •
Learn from more than 100 speakers and panellists including Heads of Government, Ministers of Finance, Trade and Development, Chairmen and Chief Executives of business and other industry Leaders
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Meet and discuss trade, investment and partnership opportunities
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Learn about new business and investment prospects
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Develop new business leads and identify new trade and investment partners
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Conduct and conclude business in one to one meetings with other international partners
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Network with policy makers, key government officials and business leaders
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Influence the global debate on important trade and investment issues
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Contribute to key policy recommendations to Commonwealth Heads of Government
We look forward to welcoming you at the Forum in Colombo, Sri Lanka in November. Peter Callaghan
Confirmed Speakers Include: Heads of Government
HE John Dramani Mahama President, Ghana
Rt Hon Thomas Thabane Prime Minister, Lesotho
HE Joyce Banda President, Malawi
HE Armando Guebuza President, Mozambique
HE Paul Kagame President, Rwanda
Hon Dr Denzil L. Douglas Prime Minister, St. Kitts and Nevis
HE Jakaya Kikwete President, Tanzania
Hon Kamla Persad-Bissessar Prime Minister, Trinidad & Tobago
HE Hifikepunye Pohamba President, Namibia
HE Yoweri Museveni President, Uganda
International Business Leaders
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CEO, Access Bank, Nigeria
Louis Farrugia Chairman, Simonds Farsons Cisk, Malta
Dr Chris Nonis Chairman, Mackwoods, Sri Lanka
Rahul Bajaj Chairman, Bajaj Auto, India
James Gatera Managing Director Bank of Kigali, Rwanda
A. K. M. Salim Osman, Managing Director, Wisdom Attires, Bangladesh
C.K. Birla Chairman, CK Birla Group,
Sir Thomas Harris Vice-Chairman, Standard Chartered United Kingdom
Chris Parsons Chairman, India practice, Herbert Smith Freehills United Kingdom
Patrick Bitature, Chairman, SimbaTel, Uganda
Sonjoy Chatterjee Chairman, Goldman Sachs India
Tim Cobbold, CEO, De La Rue, United Kingdom
Penny Low, President & Founder, Social Innovation Park, Singapore
Mian Mohammad Mansha, Chairman, Nishat Group, Pakistan
Hugh Morgan, CEO, First Charnock, Australia
Susantha Ratnayake Chairman & CEO, John Keells Holdings, Sri Lanka
Dr Turki Al Rasheed, Chairman, Golden Grass, Saudi Arabia
Sev Vettivetpillai, Partner, Abraaj Group, United Kingdom
Draft Programme
Registration Day: Monday, 11 November 12.00-19.00 Registration 14:00 - 17:00 Commonwealth Investment Promotion Roundtable (by invitation only) 17.00-18.00 Speaker Reception & Forum Briefing (by invitation only)
Day One: Tuesday, 12 November 09:00-10:30 Opening CeremonyPartnering for Wealth Creation and Social Development The Commonwealth brings together some to the world’s wealthiest and poorest countries, this session will focus on forming partnerships to ensure that the benefits of growth reach the whole of society and guarantee widespread social development. Keynote Address: HE Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa, President, Sri Lanka
10:30-11:00 Refreshments and Networking Break 11:00-12:30 The Commonwealth, Indian Ocean, Pacific and SAARC: Building New Partnerships With a significant population base, skills and natural resources these regions draw together some of the world’s fast growing and most dynamic countries. This session will help set the agenda for the Forum and focus on building new partnerships for business and Government.
12.30-13.55
Hosted Networking Lunches 1) Hosted Lunch 3) Hosted Lunch
2) Hosted Lunch 4) Hosted Lunch
14.00-15.30 Developing the Rural Economy for Sustainable Shared Growth Developing the rural economy is a key aim for many Commonwealth countries development agendas. This session will examine the challenges and opportunities for partnerships to ensure sustained growth in rural areas including in; Agriculture, Infrastructure and Education.
14.00-15.30 Partnership Roundtables 1) Infrastructure Development
2) BPO & Business Outsourcing
15.30-16.00 Refreshments and Networking Break 16.00-17.25 Developing Small & Medium Business for Greater Wealth Creation SMEs are the life-blood of all economies, be they large or small, developed or emerging, they are the largest employers and the most entrepreneurial of sectors. This session will look at ways to ensure sustained growth, access to finance and methods of internationalisation.
16.00-17.25 Partnership Roundtables 1) Green Growth & Climate Change
17.30-18.55
2) Energy Infrastructure
Sri Lanka: Trading Hub for the Indian Ocean and SAARC Sri Lanka’s geographic position puts it at the heart of one of the global economy’s fastest growing and high volume regions. This session will look at the opportunities for Sri Lanka to further develop its regional presence as a trading and business hub.
17.30-18.55
Partnership Roundtables 1) Business and Society
19:00
2) Strengthening the SME Sector
Reception & Gala Dinner: Celebrating Sri Lanka and the Commonwealth Address: HE Kamalesh Sharma, Commonwealth Secretary General Keynote Address: HE Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa, President, Sri Lanka
Draft Programme
Day Two: Wednesday, 13 November 07:30-08:45 Hosted Breakfast Sessions 1) Breakfast Hosted by SLPA (Colombo Port) 3) Hosted Breakfast
2) Hosted Breakfast 4) Hosted Breakfast
09.00-10.30 Sri Lanka: 21st Century Business Destination For the last 5 years Sri Lanka has averaged 7% growth and is expected to continue to grow even faster over the next decade. This session will examine the opportunities in Sri Lanka and provide business views on how to super charge the country’s development.
09.00-10.30 Partnership Roundtables 1) Urban Development & Cities of the Future
2) Engaging Communities though Education
10.30-11.00 Refreshments and Networking Break 11.00-12.30 Infrastructure Challenges: New Global Partnerships Infrastructure deficits are the most common impediment to growth across the Commonwealth, this session will look at ways of tackling this challenge by examining the potential for partnerships between Government and business, development banks and donor organisation.
11.00-12.30 Partnership Roundtables 1) Innovation & Financial Services
2) Agriculture & Agri-business
12.30-13.30 Hosted Networking Lunches 1) Lunch Hosted By Central Bank of Sri Lanka 3) Hosted Lunch
2) Hosted Lunch 4) Hosted Lunch
13.30-14.45 Banking and Financial Services: Enhancing Access & Economic Resilience Credible, reliable and trustworthy banking and financial services provide the engine for growth in all sectors of the economy. This session will examine ways of strengthening this critical sector and ensuring that it is accessible to all sectors of society.
13.30-14.45 Partnership Roundtables 1) Textiles & Apparel
2) Ensuring Regional Skill Requirements are Met by Education
14.50-15.15 Special Address: New Vision for Wealth Creation and Social Development HE Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda
15.15-15.40 Refreshments and Networking Break 15.40-16.55 Tourism: A Critical Driver of Growth Tourism is a mainstay of many of Commonwealth countries’ economies, increasing the number of visitors, increasing employment and brings much need foreign currency. This session will examine ways of increasing tourism without threatening the local economy or ecosystem.
15.40-16.55 Partnership Roundtables 1) Digital Growth & ICT
2) Innovation and Young Entrepreneurs
17.00-18.15 Commonwealth Businesswomen's Network: Women as Drivers of Growth and Development Across many Commonwealth Countries one of the most under-utilised resources are women, representing more than 50% of population the contribution that empowered businesswomen can make to a countries growth and development is substantial. This session will bring together female leaders from government & business to discuss ways of enhancing the role of women in business.
19.30
Gala Dinner Keynote Address: Visiting Head of Government Guests of Honour: Commonwealth Foreign Ministers
Draft Programme
Day Three: Thursday, 14 November 07:30-08:45 Hosted Breakfast Sessions 1) Sport for Development & Growth 2) Hosted Breakfast
2) Small & Island States Breakfast Roundtable 4) Hosted Breakfast
09:00-09:55 Energy and Natural Resource Development: Commonwealth Partnerships Many Commonwealth countries are richly endowed with Energy and Mineral resources and are in a position to feed the ever growing global demand for natural resources. This session will examine ways and share experience of successful resource development
09:00-09:55 Invest In: Country Roundtable
Invest In: Country Roundtable
Chair: Visiting Head of Government
Chair: Visiting Head of Government
10:00-10:55 Africa & Asia: Reshaping Partnerships for Sustainable Growth Africa and Asia will be the drivers of global growth for the 21st Century, this session will focus on ways of ensuring that growth is sustained and to the benefit of all.
10:00-10:55 Invest In: Country Roundtable
Invest In: Country Roundtable
Chair: Visiting Head of Government
Chair: Visiting Head of Government
11:00-11:55
Tackling Unemployment: Education, Knowledge and Skills Unemployment is a challenge for all countries and an educated and highly skilled workforce is key to ensuring that growth and development don't stall in the mid to long term. This session will examine the potential for partnerships across the Commonwealth and share best practice and experience on tackling unemployment.
11:00-11:55
Invest In: Country Roundtable
Invest In: Country Roundtable
Chair: Visiting Head of Government
Chair: Visiting Head of Government
12:00-12:55 Strengthening National Economies through Global Business and Trade Global business provides employment and gives consumers increased choice at lower prices. This session will examine how economic growth can be enhanced though further linkages between large and small business and partnerships between government and business.
12:00-12:55 Invest In: Country Roundtable
Invest In: Country Roundtable
Chair: Visiting Head of Government
Chair: Visiting Head of Government
13:00-14.30 Closing Lunch 13:00
Depart Colombo for Sri Lankan President’s Roundtable with Heads of Government and Business Leaders in Hambantota Chair: HE Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa, President, Sri Lanka (By Invitation Only)
Doing Business at CBF 2013 The Forum will feature a project portfolio of investment proposals that are looking for funding, equity or business partners. The Business Matching Centre will enable participants to meet with potential investors, investment bankers, and potential knowledge partners to present their projects. Project summaries will be available in advance to interested investors and partners and project holders will be available for one-to-one meetings. Projects will be organised by country and sector and include business plans with identified requirements in terms of investment required, technical and knowledge-
Business-to-Business Meetings at CBF 2007
based requirements. For potential investors, this is an opportunity to establish strong partnerships and explore investment opportunities in key sectors such as ICT, financial services, tourism, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing and the environment. The Centre will bring together entrepreneurs looking to access finance and new markets, investors and companies looking for new markets or projects, and companies looking for external markets and knowledge partnerships to improve their competitiveness. facilitated business meetings at CBF 2009
B2B Forum activities will include: •
a Business Matching Lounge for between project holders and investors/partners
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a project book and digital version with summaries of projects and short profiles of potential partners/ investors
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an Exhibition Centre to enable companies/countries to showcase products and services
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The opportunity to present country or sector strategies in breakout sessions of the Forum
•
Site visits to key projects
meetings potential
Exhibition Centre at CBF 2011
The Centre will bring together businesses and a wide range of potential investors, government bodies and global technology and knowledge based industries.
Commonwealth Business Forum 2013 Access Opportunities in Sri Lanka •
Learn about potential projects in one of the fastest Growing Markets in World
•
Access Opportunites in Key Sectors: Agriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism, Education, IT/BPO, Renewable Energy and Infrastructure
HE Dr Chris Nonis, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK & Dr Mohan Kaul, Chairman, CBC Launching the Sri Lanka Investment Guide 2012
Biggest Business Event Ever held in Sri Lanka •
Opened by the HE the President of Sri Lanka
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Addressed by 10-20 Heads Of Government •
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Both Commonwealth and Non-Commonwealth
1,000 Delegates and 100 International Business Speakers
Most Diverse Business Networking Opportunity •
1,000 Delegates
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From 60 Countries representing 6 Continents
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Pre-arranged one-to-one business meetings
•
Project Portfolio of investment proposals
Project Portfolio of Investment Proposals •
National and International call for Projects
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Focused Sessions on Sectors and Special Projects
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Portfolio broken down by Country, Sector and Project Size
•
Project Lounge for Presentations and one-to-one meetings
FIVE EASY WAYS TO REGISTER: ONLINE: www.cbcglobal.org FAX: +44 (0)20 7024 8201 POST:
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+44 (0)20 7024 8200 cbf2013@cbcglobal.org
Events team, Commonwealth Business Council, 18 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5LU, UK
Delegate Details - PLEASE COMPLETED IN BlOCK CAPS - DETAILS SHOULD BE EXACTLY AS THEY APPEAR ON PASSPORT Applicant Type:
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Dep. Type: Commercial?
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Cancellation Policy
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Cancellations must be received in writing no later than 30/09/13, and will be subject to a 20% cancellation fee unless a substitute delegate is nominated. Cancellations received after 30/09/13 will be liable for the full registration fee, however substitutions will be accepted. Cancellations must be acknowledged in writing by the Commonwealth Business Council.
2.
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CBC reserves the right to cancel a registration, in this case a full refund of the registration fee will be made. I consent to the disclosure and subsequent verification of information concerning my date of birth, address, employment criminal security check and photo. I also certify that the information I have provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Reservations will be confirmed in writing by CBC. 20% UK VAT applicable to organisations registered within the EU only. The CBC reserves the right to postpone events or amend the programme. This booking form constitutes a non-cancellable binding contract and firm commitment to the CBC subject to the cancellation policy thereafter. This contract has been drawn up in writing; verbal agreement has not been made. The delegate price does not include travel, accommodation or additional related expenses. Bookings are only valid when signed and dated.
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