International Trade Minister calls on President:

UAE keen on investing in Sri Lanka

United Arab Emirates International Trade Minister Lubna Al Qassimi called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday. Picture by Chandana Perera

United Arab Emirates International Trade Minister, Lubna Al Qassimi yesterday said that UAE investors are willing to invest in the industrial and tourism sectors in Sri Lanka.

The minister made these remarks when she called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday.

She said that UAE investors are keen on investing in Sri Lanka considering the tremendous progress in the country after the end of the conflict.

A high level business delegation from UAE led by minister Lubna Al Qassimi is on a three day official visit to Sri Lanka on an invitation by Commerce and Industries Minister Rishad Bathiudeen.

President Rajapaksa thanked her on behalf of the government and the people of Sri Lanka for the assistance extended by UAE when the country was affected by the tsunami in 2004.

They stressed the importance of having closer cooperation between the Chambers of both countries in the future. The visiting minister also focused on how relations between the two nations could be further enhanced.

Qassimi also participated in a business forum attended by members of business community representing two countries.

External Affairs Minister Prof G.L. Peries, Commerce and Industry minister Rishad Badiudeen, UAE ambassador in Sri Lanka Mahmood Mohammed Al Mahmood and the Sri Lankan ambassador in UAE Sarath Wijesinghe were also present.