Turkish construction expertise for Sri Lanka

The participation of Turkish entrepreneurs in the rapidly expanding construction work in Sri Lanka was a key aspect of the discussions between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Turkish President Abdullah Gul at the United Nations Wednesday.

President Gul was told of the major development initiatives being taken by Sri Lanka that require infrastructure development, and considerable investment in housing, especially in the post-conflict situation.

The major advances that Turkey had made in the construction sector could help Sri Lanka in this work.

President Gul, who agreed to assist Sri Lanka in the field of construction congratulated President Rajapaksa on the successful defeat of terrorism and the current emphasis on development together with reconciliation.

The discussions also related to the relaxing of taxes imposed by Turkey on the import of tea from Sri Lanka, which the Turkish President said would be considered favourably. There was also understanding reached on the need to improve trade relations between Sri Lanka and Turkey, as well as encouraging Turkish investment here.

Following the discussions held between the Presidents of Turkey and Sri Lanka during President Rajapaksa’s visit to Turkey last year, Wednesday’s talks pursued the agreement reached to establish direct air links between the two countries.

It was also agreed that Turkey would assist Sri Lanka in the promotion of tourism to the country, in view of the new conditions in Sri Lanka, and would also support Turkish business persons interested in investing in the Tourism Industry in Sri Lanka.