BOI leads business delegation to China

Officials of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka took part in the second China-South Asia exposition in Kunming, Yunnan Province in China from June 6-10. The China-South Asia Exposition was co-hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the People's Government of Yunnan Province. Several South Asian countries took part.

The main theme of the event was 'Expanding trade in service, boosting investment-centered cooperation, accelerating inter-connectivity and joint construction of economic corridors'.

A commodities exhibition, investment promotion meetings and sourcing events were held. China-South Asia Economic and Trade Senior Officials Forum, the Expo launch, China-South Asia Business Forum, the ASEAN-Chinese Entrepreneurs Conference and the Asian-Pacific Chinese Entrepreneurs Forum were also held.

Three Asian countries including Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar made presentations at the investment forum. Over 350 people were present.

The BOI presentation included a corporate video in the Chinese language and a slide presentation.

The Board of Investment, the Export Development Board and Sri Lanka Gems and Jewellery Authority took part in the exposition under one main pavilion.

Over 125 traders from Sri Lanka also set up trade stalls at the Exposition.

The delegation from Sri Lanka included Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody, Industry and Commerce Minister Rishard Bathiutheen, Technology Research and Atomic Energy Minister Champika Ranawaka, Treasury Secretary Dr P B Jayasundera, Industry and Commerce Ministry Secretary, Anura Siriwardena, Sri Lanka's Ambassador to China Ranjith Uyangoda and senior Government officials.

China is one of the leading countries in terms of investment opportunities.

The growth of China's economy has, however, made her major generator of FDI, investing overseas more and seeking to expand trading ties with South Asian countries.

The BOI is confident of attracting more Chinese investments as China has increased her investments in the South Asian region.

The BOI was represented by Senior Deputy Director, Media and Publicity, Jagath de Silva and Deputy Director, Investment Promotion, Manilal Ranasinghe.