Sri Lanka opens second Consulate office in China

Sri Lanka opened its second Consulate office in China, in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province on December 15. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Hussein Bhaila and Sri Lanka's Ambassador to China Karunathilleka Amunugama represented Sri Lanka at the opening ceremony while the Sichuan Province was represented by Executive Vice Governor Wei Hong.

The opening of a Consulate office in Chengdu is expected to further boost investment and trade ties between Sri Lanka and the Sichuan Province.

Sichuan is the fifth largest province in China and is the third most populous with a population of 87 million. Chengdu provides land transport to central and southern provinces of China and neighbouring countries including Thiland.

In a 2007 public appraisal Chngdu was chosen as one of the 10 cities to invest in - out of a total of 280 urban centres - in China. With huge economic potential and a GDP of US$ 138, the Sichuan Province could be one of the most important trade and investment partners for Sri Lanka in Central and Western China.

Home to more than 16 colleges and universities, there are nearly 150 Sri Lankan students studying in Chengdu and in the neighbouring provinces.

The Consulate office in Chengdu will facilitate consular services to the Sri Lankan student population, while opening up new avenues for educational opportunities.