Belgian Week 2010:

Belgian delegation optimistic

A Belgian business delegation of over 50 representatives from 40 companies visited Sri Lanka for ‘Belgian Week 2010’ held from November 22 to 26. They explored economic and investment possibilities and expressed optimism on the country’s business climate and the prospect of their doing business in Sri Lanka.

The business representatives were from a range of sectors including agro-food, machinery, construction, interior, energy, fisheries, gems, information technology, infrastructure, water supply, financial services, textile, tobacco, tourism investments and various trading companies. Most of the companies were exploring opportunities in Sri Lanka for the first time.

Here are some of the comments of the Belgian business delegation.

SGG Corporate Services Alain Renard said, “This is the first time I came to Sri Lanka and it is a pleasure to discover this country, which is booming. It is important to have a stabilized and a strong financial sector to provide investors security and confidentiality as the country is picking up. Confidence is vital, mainly in private banking and also in the industry. This could be a beginning for Sri Lanka, which could be developed as a central or financial hub for the south of Asia.

Redcorp’s Ronald Reich said, “The IT development of Sri Lanka is second to no other country. We came here mainly because of the quality of the service and not because of the price. However, the price is also very competitive. Therefore, it is a great sector to invest in.”

Copertiz bvba Manager and Director, Marc van Dael said, “The business climate is very good to invest in Sri Lanka. This is my fourth visit to Sri Lanka, and I am now at a point to invest in an existing factory, where the factory was not 100 percent producing. There is already a good market in Europe for coconut products and coconut husk products.

“I have already shown my interest of acquiring the factory and the same employees could continue their work in the factory after my acquisition. I would like to focus more on the coconut oil, which has been competing with palm and olive oil. I want to uplift this quality product to a higher level. Thus, my intention is to boost the coconut oil industry especially in Sri Lanka and I will bring up the level of coconut oil up to the level it must be,” he said.

Cortes, Emmanuel Blomme said, “Sri Lanka’s future is very positive. Our company has been here for 23 years. My view ever since I came here has been good and it has been improving every month, every week and every day. Sri Lanka is such a great country to invest in as it includes everything for investments and well centered in Asia. The Board of Investment (BoI) is providing good facilities while assisting. The momentum is now in Sri Lanka.

The Old Lady at the Sea’s Wim Ceriez (Hotelier) said, “It was very important for me to make up my mind concerning Sri Lanka, due to all information. I was able to capture the plan of the Government for the future of Sri Lanka and how they will manage it. I decided to invest much more to expand our boutique hotel.”

The mission was organized as a collaborative effort by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Belgium, the New Delhi Embassy of Belgium and the Colombo Consulate Belgian.

Besides high level interactions with the External Affairs, Economic Development, Industrial Development and International Trade, International Economic Corporation Ministers and senior officials including the Central Bank Governor, members of the delegation had B2B meetings with over 150 companies in Sri Lanka at match making events organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, as well as by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce’s Benelux Business Council.

The program also provided opportunities for visits to Sri Lanka’s blue-chip companies, several companies with Belgian investments, the “Building a Future Foundation” in the frame of sustainable fishing and touristic exploration and excursions.

C de S