The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organized the Auto Expo – The Motor Show, which is one of the major auto shows of the global auto industry, from 12th to 18th January 2023 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR, India. The 10th Auto Trade Dialogue was also held on 14th January 2023 at the Auto Expo venue.
Charaka Perera, Chairman of the Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA) was invited by SIAM to speak at this global forum and to be a panelist of the event. The theme of this year’s Auto Trade Dialogue was “Changing Dynamics in Global Automotive Policies & Trade Practices” and the presentation made by Perera broadly covered the domestic industry’s market trends and specifically focused on the policy initiatives that are being undertaken in Sri Lanka for the development of Auto Sector in the long run. His presentation also included the diverse investment routes currently available in Sri Lanka and the merits of each route for investors.
The speakers of the event included Dr. Hanif Qureshi – Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Dr. Srikar Reddy – Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Ms. Anna Shotbolt – Deputy Trade Commissioner, British High Commission, Ms. Nathalie Gminder – First Secretary of the German Embassy, Mr. Rahul Bharti – Chairman SIAM & Executive Director of Maruti Sizuki India & Mr. Cedrick Crowley – Deputy High Commissioner of the High Commission of South Africa. While the Auto Trade Dialog was well participated by the key vehicle and component manufacturers, experts from UK, Europe, Germany & Japan also made presentations at the event.
“It was an excellent forum to present the current state of the industry, the future market potential in the motor trade of Sri Lanka and the investment opportunities available in the auto industry to attract much needed investments to our country. As the majority of vehicles imported to SL are made in India, CMTA has been working very closely with SIAM in order to achieve alignment of automotive policies and regulations of the two countries. SIAM has guided the Indian Auto Industry to be the 3rd largest market while addressing all regulatory, environmental and social aspects and SIAM has assured of their support for the development of the local auto industry” stated Perera.
The SIAM Auto Trade Dialogue facilitates better understanding and appreciation of the developments and needs of the automotive industries in individual countries and regions. It also enabled convergence of Automobile industry issues across the world and identification of common interests. This initiative has been helping the planners, policy makers, both industry & government, to evolve strategies and understand the areas of concern for economies around the world.
Founded in 1919, the Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA) is the only trade body in Sri Lanka that represents global vehicle manufacturers through their locally appointed franchise holders (commonly called ‘Local agents/ Distributors’). CMTA is affiliated to the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and is the most senior automotive trade association in the region. The members of the CMTA collectively employ and train thousands of Sri Lankan citizens while bringing in international best practices in engineering and management, developing a talent pool that is trained and employable internationally. CMTA members are all audited by the manufacturers they represent, and the vehicles they import are shipped directly from the factory, designed to meet country specific requirements.
