Minister Peiris tells Belgian delegation:

SL gateway to economic opportunities

There is much potential in the trade and economic sector to be jointly explored between Sri Lanka and Belgium, External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris told a trade and investment delegation from Belgium who called on him at the Ministry Tuesday.

The delegation consisted of members from 40 companies representing an array of sectors.

The Belgian business partners were encouraged to take full advantage of the opportunities for economic cooperation offered by the 2011 budget and by the unprecedented political stability and security in Sri Lanka today.

The Minister said that the Government has given special emphasis to trade and economic relations to transform Sri Lanka into a major economic hub. He highlighted that the recent revision of the tax system, the absence of security concerns, the availability of a highly skilled labour force and the enhanced opportunities in the post-conflict development phase have paved the way for greater interest from overseas.

The confidence in post-conflict Sri Lanka has been reflected in the investment sector where there are several flagship and joint venture projects already in operation and others under consideration, as well as in the accelerated activity in the Colombo Stock Market, which has been rated as one of the highest performing in the world, the Minister said. Prof Peiris explained that Sri Lanka's expertise in the tourism sector was being further expanded to include ayurvedic tourism, eco-tourism and water-based tourism.

The Belgian delegation, while sharing their experience of doing business in Sri Lanka, thanked the Sri Lankan partners for the excellent program. They also acknowledged the encouraging atmosphere in the country and expressed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral trade and investment by taking advantage of the full potential of the country.

Ambassador of Belgium to Sri Lanka accredited from New Delhi Jean-Marie Deboutte led the Belgian delegation. Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Belgium Ravinatha Aryasinha was also present.