PM invites Andhra Pradesh businessmen

To invest in Sri Lanka:

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka invited businessmen from Andhra Pradesh to make use of the healthy business environment in Sri Lanka after the defeat of terrorism and the Presidential Election to consider investing in Sri Lanka in certain identified sectors as there is great potential.

The Prime Minister made this request when a high powered business delegation from the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) called on him at his office on Monday. The delegation was led by Federation President Sri Harischandra Prasad. The Indian High Commissioner in Colombo also attended the meeting.

While welcoming the delegation, on behalf of the Government, the Prime Minister recalled that close cultural ties existed between Sri Lanka and Andhra Pradesh which was once a centre of Buddhism.

He observed as one of the fastest growing states in India with a reputation as a centre of ICT industry and a major base for milk production and pharmaceutical industry the businessmen from Andhra Pradesh could consider investing in Sri Lanka in ICT industry, milk production and livestock development and pharmaceuticals.

He also drew attention to the fact that there was a need for more hotels in the country as tourists were visiting Sri Lanka in a big way after peace had been restored with defeat of terrorists.

He encouraged the businessmen also to promote two way tourism between Sri Lanka and Andhra Pradesh as there were many tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.

During the discussion it was also pointed out that there was potential for educational exchanges as there were well established facilities for IT studies in Andhra Pradesh.

The leader of the delegation thanked the Prime Minister for the time given for exchange of views and promised that they would certainly promote further business relations between Sri Lanka and Andhra Pradesh.

Close proximity between Sri Lanka and Andhra Pradesh and the enthusiasm of businessmen in his State for developing contacts with Sri Lanka were important factors for closer economic relations.

Another member of the delegation observed that a direct air link between Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh and Colombo would encourage tourism and promote business contacts. The Prime Minister agreed to pursue the suggestion.

The delegation invited the Prime Minister to visit Andhra Pradesh to further promote contacts.