US to increase trade ties

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

The Sri Lankan Government has great opportunities for economic development in the future and USA is very positive about this, US Embassy’s Economic Department Head Edward Heartney said.

Speaking at a seminar organized by the American Chamber of Commerce AMCHAM on new changes of immigration rules yesterday, Heartney said the US is hoping to increase exports to Sri Lanka. “Sri Lanka also has opportunities to export apparels, fruit and vegetable products to the US. Sri Lanka has recorded US$ 1.8 billion worth of exports to US in 2009,” he said.

AMCHAM Executive Director Chulanthe Jayasuriya said the US Government is looking at Sri Lanka positively on trade development which is a good sign where both countries will benefit.

He made a presentation on the importance of securing a partnership for AMCHAM for commercial travel.

US Embassy official William Gower said, “applicants should remember that it is the individual who is getting the visa and not the company, therefore he should be able to convince the visa officer.”

The role of documents and the purpose of travel are also important in obtaining visa” he said.