FM seeks more French investments in Sri Lanka

FRANCE: Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has highlighted the government’s programme to improve the infrastructure in the country in recent times and invited French companies to look at Sri Lanka as a prime destination for investments and as a trade partner.

The Minister was addressing the France-Sri Lanka Business Group at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris (CCIP) The meeting was co-chaired by CCFP. Vice President Dr. Elisabeth Hervier and Sri Lankan Ambassador in France Chitranganee Wagiswara.

The Foreign Minister on his first official visit to France since assuming office, had discussions with his French counterpart Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Immigration, Integration, National Identity and Co-development Brice Hortefeux, Secretary of State for the Interior Minister Christian Estrosi and French Intelligence authorities.

The Minister referred to road construction, power generation, railways, port and airport development projects in particular which are in the pipeline. He also spoke of the projects planned by the Government in the Eastern province which would serve as a model for peace building and development.

Bogollagama acknowledged the active role played by French companies since the 1960’s in developing Sri Lanka’s infrastructure. Alstom was among the first investors to come to Sri Lanka over 40 years ago in the energy sector and set up the Laxapana hydropower project.

They have now agreed to upgrade the project to suit modern requirements. Vinci a leading construction company has undertaken to build the Colombo-Katunayaka Expressway.

Emphasizing the overall economic stability of the country with special reference to the high rate of economic growth recorded during the year 2006, Minister Bogollagama said Sri Lanka’s strategic location in global trade and commerce in view of the Free Trade Agreements, Sri Lanka enjoys with India and Pakistan, as well as the EU GSP+ special trade Preference System granted by the European Union, offered more trade and investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.

Minister Bogollagama also met President of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the National Assembly Axel Poniatowski and former President of the France-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association Alain Rodet. He exchanged views on the parliamentary system of Sri Lanka and also briefed him on the current developments in the country.

The Minister requested Rodet to encourage active deputies with an interest in Sri Lanka to join the Parliamentary Friendship Association which will be set up anew in October so that exchanges between the two Parliaments would be enhanced.

The Minister also interacted with Sri Lanka Associations in France and the French branches of Sri Lankan political parties.

The well attended meeting included all prominent Associations of Sri Lankans, and Sinhala and Tamil political party representatives.

Minister Bogollagama gave an overview of developments in the country and responded to specific concerns and questions raised by the participants, ranging from the country’s situation to issues faced by Sri Lankans in France.

The Ministerial delegation comprised of Consultant Jayantha Dissanayaka, Director General/Public Communications Ravinatha Aryasinha, Director General/Political Affairs (West) Rodney Perera and Deputy Director/Economic Affairs Saroja Sirisena.