SRI LANKAN TRADE MINISTER PREDICTS INVESTMENT
GROWTH DURING U.S. VISIT
Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of Export Development &
International Trade and Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya
with Rep. Sander Levin (D-Michigan)
Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of Export Development and International
Trade visited New York and Washington DC last week to encourage
United Nations and U.S. government support for the post-conflict
economic projects and foreign investment.
Prof. Peris met with Susan Rice, U.S. Ambassador
to the United Nations, as well as an Assistant U.S. Trade Representative
and the Acting Under Secretary of the Department of Commerce.
Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of Export Development and International
Trade and Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya
with Mr. Michael Delaney Asst. USTR for South Asia
During two busy days of meetings, Minister Peiris
also consulted with Rep. Sander Levin, (D-Michigan), who is Chairman
of the Trade Subcommittee of the influential House of Representatives
Ways and Means Committee.
Rep. Levin said that Sri Lanka would be considered
during his subcommittee’s examination of future trade agreements.
Minister Peiris told Congressman Levin and other
U.S. government officials that now was the time for renewed investment
in Sri Lanka, as the country resettles those displaced by the
25-year-long conflict, rebuilds the north and launches a political
process that will give the Tamil population a new voice.
Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of Export Development & International
Trade, Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya
with Ms. Michelle O’Neill Actg. Under Secretary for International
Trade Administration
Outside investment, Minister Peiris said during
an interview with a Washington correspondent for the Reuters news
service, “will enable Sri Lanka to take advantage of the
opportunity that has presented itself. We must have an atmosphere
of contentment and well-being. What we want is access to markets.
We would expect more support on this.”
The World Bank earlier in the week approved a
$24 million, 20-year loan to bolster Sri Lankan Healthcare efforts,
especially in the Eastern and Northern Provinces, both areas that
have been affected by the recent conflict and victory over the
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
The U.S. State Department also announced an additional
$6 million in aid to help pay for de-mining operations in Northern
Sri Lanka.
Asian investors and companies, Minister Peiris
said, have been quick to show interest in Sri Lanka since the
conflict’s end. While interests from Malaysia are the most
active, Japan and China are also currently involved in projects
throughout Sri Lanka.
The government expects growth in traditional
sectors, such as tourism, tea and rubber production and the garment
industry, as well as an expansion of agricultural production and
construction when the post-conflict development takes hold.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington DC
USA
29 June 2009
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