Saudi Arabia keen to invest in Sri Lanka
Holistic approach to develop agro-based industries:
Sanjeevi Jayasuriya
Saudi Arabia is keen to invest in Sri Lanka’s agro-based industries
with a holistic approach to develop the sector. The investors would not
only focus on improving production, but also have plans to buy back the
produce facilitating market access for the farmer community,
International Agriculture and Food Investment Co. Developer Council
Member Riyadh H. Al Zamil told Daily News Business.
|
There is much potential for agricultural exports to Saudi Arabia |
“The Saudi Arabian Government has a new initiative to encourage the
private sector to assist food security in the country and to look for
potential investment opportunities in the agricultural sector.
We have received tremendous support from key decision makers and the
BOI to move forward and are planning to have a substantial investment in
the sector,” he said.
“This is the first time that an agro-based company from Saudi Arabia
visited Sri Lanka and there is much potential for viable investment
solutions in the country. We aim at creating a win-win situation,” he
said. “Our plan is for the entire agricultural sector.
We want the whole of the agricultural sector to grow. We plan to
educate farmers and infuse technological advancement into the sector and
work together for the betterment of the farming community,” he said.
The company is in the process of evaluating the investment options
and is eager to contribute to the country’s development projects. The
country could be one of the fastest developing countries in world with
its peaceful environment conducive for investment and economic
development, he said. “The International Agriculture and Food Investment
Company is a $500 million capital based company willing to help Sri
Lanka to get back on track.
We want to give some thing to this country. We are also looking at
opportunities in tourism, livestock development, fruit and vegetable
sectors. We would pay attention to infrastructure development including
transportation,” he said.
“A technical team will visit Sri Lanka shortly to evaluate the
technical aspects in order to accelerate the investment process. The
country has a bright future,” he said. |
