Lanka to get more opportunities in Iraq
Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA
Iraq is currently dependent on Turkey and Syria for 50% of its
imports and is seeking to reduce its dependence on these countries by
broadening its import base.
“This provides an ideal opportunity for Sri Lanka to once again
establish broad economic links with Iraq,” said Sri Lanka Export
Development Board Chairman and CEO Janaka Ratnayake after the Ambassador
for the Republic of Iraq Kahtan Taha Khalaf called on to discuss
arrangements regarding Sri Lanka’s participation at the 39th Baghdad
International Trade Fair, scheduled to be held from November 1 to 10.
“We are confident that the trade volumes to Iraq could increase with
country's focus to broadbase the import base. This strategy will support
our exporters to meet the demand in diversified sectors. We need to make
a concerted effort to capture the wider market share of Iraq, thus
encouraging the sector to improve its performance,” EDB Chairman
Ratnayake said.
The ambassador commended the commitment shown by the EDB and the
initiatives taken to encourage the private sector to promote trade
between the two countries. Seven leading private sector companies
representing the sectors of tea, confectionery, cables, rubber and coir,
have already agreed to participate in the event.
In addition, the EDB proposes to widen the participation by including
companies from the jewellery, seafood and processed food sectors.
Preliminary agreements had also been reached on providing job
opportunities for more Sri Lankans in Iraq. A special meeting took place
between Minister Dilan Perera and the Labour and Social Services
Minister of Iraq Nazar Al Aba in this regard recently.
A special focus was made on the opportunities prevailing in the hotel
and the construction sectors and directing Sri Lankans towards them. A
Memorandum of Understanding was sighed following the discussions.
Subsequent to this for the first time 200 Sri Lankan workers in the
hospitality industry have also been able to secure employment in a US
owned seven star hotel in Iraq.
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