The Commercial Bank Trade Club, a platform created by the Bank to empower importers and exporters by providing them easy access to the Bank’s trade services, recently hosted an event for more than 100 customers, to foster economic growth via an interactive forum to discuss their needs and concerns. Themed ‘Supporting Economic Growth’ the event at Marino Beach Hotel provided an opportunity for importers and exporters who are customers of Commercial Bank to benefit from the knowledge and experience of personalities of the calibre of Prof. Priyanga Dunusinghe, a member of the Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL); Mr Nalinda Wijeratne, a Director of the Department of Commerce (DOC); and Mr Pradeep Silva, a Commissioner of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD); as well as Mr Suresh Gooneratne, Executive Director/CFO of Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO). Among the topics covered were the current economic & trade environment in the country; the services offered by the Dept. of Commerce for Trade customers; benefits available through overseas trade missions; tax benefits and exemptions for Importers & Exporters; and the success story of a diversified business beyond the automobile industry. Commercial Bank’s senior representatives at the event included the Bank’s Deputy General Manager – Corporate Banking – Miss Tamara Bernard, Deputy General Manager – Treasury – Mr Asela Wijesiriwardane and Assistant General Manager – Personal Banking Ms. Mithila Shamini. A panel discussion was held at the end of the forum with the participation of the presenters, providing an opportunity for members of the audience to pose questions to the resource persons as well as to representatives of the Bank’s corporate management.