Belgium keen to invest in Sri Lanka

Belgium, a top diamond supplier to Sri Lanka, is keen to invest in manufacturing and consulting in Sri Lanka. “We invite Belgium investors to use our FTAs with India and Pakistan to access the South Asian market,” said Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce .

The delegation which included Wim Ceriez, President of the Belgolux-Sri Lanka Business Council and Monique De Decker Deprez, Consul for Sri Lanka in Belgium and also Secretary of the Belgolux-Sri Lanka Business Council, made a courtesy call on Minister Bathiudeen on March 30.

Members of Belgium business delegation inquired from Minister Bathiudeen on the potential of Sri Lanka’s manufacturing / industry and consulting sectors. Minister Bathiudeen outlined various aspects on Sri Lanka’s new economic upswing and strong GDP growth.

“We commend the Belgium private sector and this delegation specifically, for visiting the Expo 2012 event. We have identified that fish, apparels, precious stones, activated carbon and rubber tyres are Sri Lankan export products showing strong potential in the Belgium market and we believe there’s scope for Belgium investors in these sectors here,” Minister Bathiudeen said. Also see page iii