Sri Lanka-Jordan pact to boost trade

President's tour impetus for investment links:

Rohan Mathes

JORDAN: Following bilateral talks between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Jordanian King Abdullah Al Hussein, Jordanian Trade Minister Salim Kahazailh expressed much optimism for enhanced trade links between Sri Lanka and Jordan with the signing of the new agreement.

At a meeting of Sri Lankan and Jordanian investors and businessmen representing their respective Chambers of Commerce on Sunday in Amman, Trade Minister Kahazailh said that in addition to existing trade agreements between the two countries, there are many other business opportunities yet untapped by Sri Lankan entrepreneurs.

"Sri Lankan investors and businessmen can make use of the liberal political and business climate prevailing in Jordan to enhance their businesses," he said.

Kahazailh opined that the trade deficit between the two countries is now believed to be unfavourable to Sri Lanka. It would soon change as a result of the bilateral talks President Rajapaksa had with the Jordanian authorities during his tour of Jordan.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama briefed Jordanian investors and the business community on the present situation in Sri Lanka, and pointed out that the conflict situation was confined only to a part in the North of the country.

He invited Jordanian entrepreneurs to make use of the business opportunities available in Sri Lanka.