BOI tells German investors: take a fresh look at Lanka

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) has conducted a successful investment promotion mission to Germany, targeting key business leaders in three cities.

The highlight of the mission was a well-attended investment promotion seminar at the offices of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) in the financial capital of Frankfurt on Main.

The meeting was organised by the BOI in collaboration with the German Asia Pacific Business Association (OAV) and Federation of German Industries (BDI).

Executive Director (Investment Promotion) of the BOI, Duminda Ariyasinghe said Sri Lanka was at the threshold of a strong growth trajectory.

While on one hand the conflict in Sri Lanka was nearing an end, the country was ideally placed to benefit from the economic boom in South Asia, thanks to its strategic location and preferential trading agreements with India and Pakistan.

Ariyasinghe said that no investor or foreigner had ever been harmed by the conflict in the island.

He outlined the key incentives and facilities available to German investors in Sri Lanka.

Three of the existing German investors in Sri Lanka presented case studies on their experiences in the island.

Wiestaw Kramski, Chairman, Kramski GmbH who visited Sri Lanka in 1993 spoke of the success of his venture.

Kramski said that despite some teething problems, his Sri Lankan operations had become very profitable.

He said the productivity of 50 German-trained Sri Lankan workers was equal to standards in Germany.

Kramski which employs 190 people plans to double production, he said.