Chinese delegation to help boost apparel and tourism sectors

The business delegation of the China Council for Promotion of Investment and Trade (CCPIT) in Shanghai led by the Chairman, Cen Furong on Tuesday said the Council will support the development of Sri Lanka's apparel and tourism sectors. The Chinese apparel industry is growing fast and it is the main export to the US and Europe.

China will consider outsourcing a certain section of its apparel sector to Sri Lanka and it will be a shot in the arm for the industry, he said.

Minister of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Dr. Sarath Amunugama elaborated on the US$ 480 million Norochcholai coal power plant project which will commence in the first week of August.

He said the planning stage of the Norochcholai coal power project has been completed and equipment has been brought to the site and work on the construction of the jetty and the power plant will commence early next month.

Dr. Amunugama said Chinese assistance is the outcome of the long standing relations between the two countries which completed 50 years of diplomatic relations this year. A Lankan delegation headed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited China in February to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.

"Sri Lanka will seek assistance from China for the Hambantota Port Development Project which will be finalised by the end of September.

The CCPIT delegation pledged its support to develop the infrastructure and construction sectors", the Minister said.

The private sector of China has shown great interest in investing on various construction and infrastructure development projects in Sri Lanka.

China has also shown an interest in constructing mega infrastructure projects such as ports, highways and energy and other major development projects. Representatives of Chinese construction companies will visit Sri Lanka shortly in this connection, Dr. Amunugama said.

Dr. Amunugama said there is a great need to teach the Chinese language in Sri Lanka and fluency in the language is necessary if the two countries are to benefit from the bilateral ties.

Sri Lanka, a close friend of China and India will be the bridge between the two fastest growing economies in the world reaching double digit growth, he said. The Chinese delegation will meet President Rajapaksa and other government officials during their brief visit in Sri Lanka.

LF