Lanka will qualify for Eurozone - Dutch trade envoy

Dutch Vice Minister of Foreign Trade Simon Smits, who was in Sri Lanka recently signaled that some of the economic indicators, currently enjoyed by Sri Lanka would qualify it for joining the Eurozone, a release from the Netherlands Embassy in Colombo stated.

Smits was in Sri Lanka with a Dutch trade delegation of five high level business representatives as part of an effort to boost trade relations between the two countries.

The Vice Minister had emphasised, 'after a 40- year focus on development cooperation', the current mission he undertook signified a 'start of a long term heightened trade relationship between the two countries'.

The visiting envoy was privy to experience first hand the vast strides the country has made in the post conflict phase and he was particularly pleased with Sri Lanka's economic revival.

During their stay the delegation met Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Helath Minsiter Maithreepala Sirisena, Water Supply Minister

Dinesh Gunawardena and Treasury Sectretary P.B.Jayasundara among others.

The discussions have focused on improving trade and economic ties and investments, with an emphasis on water, health, logistics and infrastructure, agriculture and livestock development.

The highlight of Minister Smits' visit were the signing of a contract between the Economic Development Ministry and Janson Bridging International BV for the construction of 463 Rural Bridges under the Government's 1000 Rural Bridge Programme.