SL-Czech economic ties strengthened

A Sri Lankan delegation led by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa met Czech Industry and Trade Minister Martin Kuba, during the former’s visit last week to the Czech Republic. Environment and Renewable Energy Minister Susil Premajayantha was also included in the delegation.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa addressing the first Sri Lanka-Czech Economic Forum. Environment and Renewable Energy Minister Susil Premajayantha and Czech Industry and Trade Minister Martin Kuba are also in the picture.

The delegation attended the opening of the first Sri Lanka-Czech Economic Forum organized by the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic. They also met Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas at his office.

Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Minister Martin Kuba addressed the Economic Forum and discussed prospects for enhanced trade and economic cooperation as well as opportunities for joint collaboration in important sectors of the two countries. The vast potential that exists for investment in Sri Lanka for the Czech Republic in areas such as infrastructure, energy, water and environment protection, food processing, sugar industry, leisure, recreation and hospitality, higher education, as well as in the sector of small and medium enterprises was highlighted at the discussion.

Minister Rajapaksa observed the increased potential for Czech tourists to visit Sri Lanka following the expansion of the island’s tourism sector. Both ministers expressed their intention to conclude an agreement on mutual cooperation between their ministries for creating favourable conditions to develop trade and economic cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The Czech representation handed over a draft of an agreement to the Sri Lankan delegation in this regard.

The Sri Lankan delegation also met Czech Republic’s Environment Minister Tomas Chalupa. They discussed issues relating to the promotion of sustainable energy and protection of the environment and means of cooperating in this area of global concern in international fora. The two delegations discussed the possibilities of strengthening cooperation in the areas of renewable energy and waste management. Minister Premajayantha visited a waste recycling plant in Prague.

Minister Rajapaksa also met Czech Republic’s Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Tomas Dub and discussed ways for enhancing bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, investment and tourism.

Minister Rajapaksa met Czech Republic Vice President Jan Hamacek and Senate President Milan Stech at Czech Parliament. Their discussion centered on enhancing contacts between the legislative bodies of the two countries. They also emphasized the need to increase people to people contact, among other matters of bilateral importance.