Eastern development:

More foreign investments in the pipeline

by P. Krishnaswamy

Steps will be taken to fast track foreign and local investment in the business, tourism and fisheries sectors considering the investment potential for these sectors in the Eastern Province, said Eastern PC Minister Naseer Ahamed who completed one year in office as Minister of Agriculture, Animal Production, Small Industries Development, Fisheries and Tourism.

He said that he will meet foreign envoys in Colombo to reach prospective investors and explain to them the vast investment potential in the East. He has already met the Ambassadors of Iran, the US and Switzerland and presented over 15 sector-wise proposals to them.

The Ambassadors said that the proposals will be circulated among the business community in their countries.

The Government has a clear vision with regard to economic development of the Eastern province and with his business background he will play an important role to realise the Government's goal, he said, adding that several things in this respect are happening in the province.

A Ministry delegation led by him also took part in the Business Forum of the Commonwealth summit, he said.

Steps are being initiated to encourage greater participation from among the business community of the province through investments in micro, small, medium and large-scale business ventures, he said. The Government has already achieved much towards restoring the region to its former state under its many far-reaching development projects while the PC administration has also contributed its share.

The most significant achievement is the completion of infrastructure, mainly the road network, and the creation of an atmosphere of peace and brotherhood. Construction of several new roads have been undertaken under an accelerated phase and many tourist destinations have identified for development, especially in Arugam Bay and Passikuda, the Minister said.

The socio-economic well being of the people through the overall economic development and prosperity of the region, is the target of the Government and provincial administration, he said.

The ministry will hold an international-level seminar in Colombo soon, to promote investment. It will be attended by business delegations from many countries and the business community of Colombo.

Explaining and demonstrating the opportunities available in the province with facilities and incentives provided by the Central Government and the provincial administration will be the main focus of the seminar, he said.

His party, the SLMC, will work with the government continuously, especially in appreciation of the huge development works undertaken in the province, he said.

The SLMC has faith in President Rajapaksa, Minister Ahamed said.