China calls for Dedicated Zone in Lanka

Focus on construction and infrastructure development projects

Anjana Samarasinghe

VISIT: A high-powered Chinese business delegation has suggested the provision of a special Dedicated Zone for Chinese investments in Sri Lanka.

The delegation headed by Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of Investment (CCPIT) Shanghai, Cen Furong met Investment Promotion and Enterprise Development Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama yesterday.

After meeting the delegation the minister told the media that during the meeting they have discussed on a Dedicated Zone for Chinese investments in Sri Lanka. ‘Sri Lanka is keen on facilitating investments from China,’ he said.

The CCPIT delegation is mainly interested in the construction and infrastructure development projects in Sri Lanka. We have several private Chinese investments in Sri Lanka and there will be more Chinese investments on high ways, port development and other projects, Dr. Amunugama said.

The Minister has also suggested to the delegation to have Sri Lanka as an outsourcing destination for their fast growing apparel industry during the discussion.

This outsourcing will help China for better competition in the international market and it will be a good opportunity for local apparel industry too.

We also discussed about the tourist industry and China is an important market for the local tourist industry, Dr. Amunugama said.

Sri Lanka expects to setup a Sri Lankan BOI office in Shanghai to facilitate Chinese investment flow into the country.

‘Sri Lanka has a good diplomatic relationship with China.

‘Today the Chinese economy is a fast growing economy in the country, he said.

Sri Lanka also emphasised on teaching Mandarin for locals.

The Minister also requested from China to setup a study centre at the BMICH.

The Board of Investment made a special presentation to the visiting delegation highlighting the potential of Sri Lanka as a destination for investments.

The Chinese delegation will meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake and Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama.