President invites Chinese entrepreneurs to invest in Sri Lanka

Ranil Wijayapala in China

BEIJING: President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday made an open invitation to the business community in China to make use of the conducive environment created in Sri Lanka for major investors to commence their industries using valuable resources available in the island.

President Rajapaksa made this appeal yesterday addressing the Investment, Trade and Tourism Seminar at the Kerry Centre in Beijing.

The Chinese Council for International Trade with the participation of Chinese investors organised this seminar to educate Chinese investors about investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.

“There is a better environment for investors in Sri Lanka compared to previous years,” the President added.

The President also explained the number of investment opportunities available in the port, power and energy sectors and also in the aviation sector for the Chinese investors.

Chinese investors in the fields of power and energy, industry, garment and textiles, machinery and equipment, tourism, construction, agriculture and new technologies were educated during this seminar.

Industrial Development and Investment Promotion Minister Sarath Amunugama and Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda also made a comprehensive presentation to the business community in China explaining the investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka. Minister Amunugama explained the concessions and tax holidays given for investors willing to invest in Sri Lanka.

He explained about the human resources available in Sri Lanka for investors.

During this seminar a large number of investors expressed their willingness to invest in Sri Lanka.

Urban Development and Sacred City Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardana said a large number of investors in the construction industry expressed their willingness to invest in Sri Lanka.

He added that a number of investors are due to arrive in Sri Lanka in the coming months to explore the possibilities of investment opportunities in the construction industry.