Oil exploration, H'tota port top on agenda
President leaves for China today
by Ranga Jayasuriya
Several agreements on Sino-Lanka bilateral co-operation will be
signed during President Mahinda Rajapaksa's Chinese visit, which
coincides with the 50th year anniversary of Sino-Lanka diplomatic
relations.
The President will leave for China today on a seven-day marathon
tour, during which he would hold discussions with his Chinese
counterpart Hu Jintao, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and senior government
officials.
Among the Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) to be signed during the
President's visit are the Hambantota Port development project, Oil
exploration in the Western coast, student exchange, cultural
co-operation, agriculture, corporate and economic co-operation, eye
donation and co-operation in urban development and water supply.
President Rajapaksa will meet his Chinese counterpart on Tuesday for
talks on bilateral cooperation.
Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona said the government was
particularly interested to encourage Chinese investments in Sri Lanka.
He referred to oil exploration and the Hambantota port development
project.
"The Government is also happy that China will help in exploration and
development of substantial petroleum resources in the West Coast. In
addition, the government expects Chinese involvement in the development
of the Hambantota harbour," he said.
He also said Sri Lanka planned to tap the fast growing Chinese
tourism market adding that historical and cultural links between the two
countries would be an incentive for Chinese tourists to visit Sri Lanka.
The number of Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka topped 16,000 last year, a
60 per cent increase from the previous year.
The President will visit Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai and meet
potential investors and senior Government officials. He will also attend
several trade and investment seminars.
The President will also present an elephant to Chinese President Hu
Jintao. A short film, "Goodnight Colombo" will also be screened at the
official banquet hosted by the Chinese President.
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