Archives

More aid from foreign countries on prospects of ceasefire - Minister G. L. Peiris

"Foreign countries and foreign companies have agreed to grant more aid services and benefits to the Government of Sri Lanka in view of the peace and tranquillity that has been brought about by the Ceasefire Agreement. In addition to the financial aid already supplied, the Government of Britain has assured Sterling Pounds eight million, the Government of Japan will be developing the hospitals in the North and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's visit to India has further strengthened the existing Free Trade Agreement with India to bring in more benefits to the country, said Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, Minister of Constitutional Affairs inaugurating the national seminar on "Sub-contracting and Partnership Exchange (SPX)" held at the Ceylon Continental Hotel.

Minister Peiris said that providing business information, match making, studying and finding solutions to problems effecting sub-contracting, assistance to ugprade technology, managerial capacity and quality, arranging trade fairs, buyer-seller meetings, seminars and workshops are some of the facilities offered by SPX. This project will be useful for creating employment opportunities, attracting foreign investment and orders.

"The SPX is a centre for industrial and partnership between main-contractors, suppliers and sub-contractors. This centre compiles technical and other information on potential and exiting sub-contractors and main contractors. Presently in Sri Lanka the center covers five industrial sectors namely Engineering, Electrical, Plastic, Rubber and Coconut Fibre (coir). Out of 345 companies considered 208 have already been connected with this programme. At the moment SPX links are activated in the Kurunegala, Katunayake, Ja-Ela, Kegalle, Matara, Ratmalana and Rajagiriya areas. The center will be linked to 62 international subcontracting centers set up by UNIDO in 31 countries facilitating local industrialists to get information on sub-contracting and other related activities.

With the fast changing global economy, companies especially multi national companies are facing serious threat. Amongst these are problems related to the Small & Medium Scale Enterprises on ISO 9000 International Quality Certification, ISO14000 Environmental Quality Certification and SA80000 Certification for Social Responsibilities, to determine competitive prices, ordering and distribution".

He emphasised that with the dawning of peace there is great expectations among the people of upliting their standards of living. At this point there is a special place for the small and medium scale sector which is the strength of the economy and the industrial sector that provides employment and uplifts the economy. Therefore the ministry is ready to provide whatever assistance required for the development of the SME sector. The SPX therefore serves as an effective tool for the business community and industrialists to be competitive in the global market.

"Since the signing of the Ceasefire Agreement on February 22 there has been no loss or damage to lives and those big time companies like Lockheed, General Electric and Caterpillar that never considered Sri Lanka before have now expressed willingness to invest in Sri Lanka.

"Sub-contracting and development of the SME sector is a timely program and the Incubator Center System is of immense benefit to this sector, said Minister of Industries, Rohitha Bogollagama.

The Chief Technical Advisor of UNIDO, Dr. Vincenso Zillioti expressing his views said that the peace process is an ideal opportunity for Sri Lanka which has wiped off the fear of risk from the minds of foreign investors. It is a fact that most multinational companies in the world are more focussed on and have diverted their attention towards countries such as South Asia, China and Mexico."

Mr. Nihal Abeysekera, President of SPX Sri Lanka Project who is also the Senior Vice President of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka too addressed the gathering. Mr. Mackie Hasheen, President of the FCCI delivered the welcome speech and Mr. Nihal Cooray, Manager of SPX Sri Lanka delivered the vote of thanks. Dr. U. Vidanapathirana, Secretary, Ministry of Industries, Ms. Sagarika Delgoda representative of Fedrick Naumann Foundation in Sri Lanka with leading businessmen, investors and government officials were present on this occasion.

This seminar was organised by the Project SMED of the FCCI together with UNIDO and Fedrick Naumann Foundation.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager