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| Friday, 14 December 2001 |
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Development in three stages with private sector support - Trade Minister By Channa Kasturisinghe
"The Ministry's immediate priorities would be to reduce the cost of living, develop the export sector and make maximum use of the country's resources to maximise production," Mr. Karunayake told the Ministry officials on the occasion of assuming duties in his portfolio at Rakshana Mandiraya, Colombo yesterday. "The new Government will launch its development program in three stages. My first aim is to find solutions to the burning economic issues of the country within 100 days of office. We also have effective medium term program of two years and a long-term program of five to 10 years to bring this country to the level of other developed countries in the region," the Minister said. He said the United National Party was elected to office to eradicate corruption and not to repeat the mistakes of the previous Government. "We have come to power at a very crucial time in the country's history. In order to develop the country's ailing economy, it is vital that we win the confidence of the business sector. Our Ministry could play a major role in winning the confidence of the business community and obtaining their maximum support to develop our economy. We have a great task ahead of us and all the institutions, officials and employees belong to the Ministry should work hand in hand to fulfil our goals," he said. The Minister promised to maintain regular talks with the officials of the Ministry. "You are welcome to make suggestions. It is important that we listen to different opinions of people to formulate our plans for the future development of the country, " Minister Karunanayake said. He said the Government needs the support of the private sector to bring down cost-of-living as soon as possible to relieve the people from their burdens. "We have to bring down the prices of essential items immediately. I have already spoken to full cream milk powder marketers and requested them to reduce prices from Rs. 10-12. I am sure they will respond positively to our request. I will make sure that there will be no shortage of essential food items in the days to come," the Minister said. |
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Produced by Lake House |
The new Minister of Trade and Consumer Affairs, Ravi Karunanayake plans
to increase the country's per capita income to US$ 3,000 in six years by
creating a competitive economy free of corruption and mal-practices.
