BOI hosts Dalian biz delegation

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) hosted a 14-strong delegation from the port city of Dalian in Northern China, headed by Liu Cheng Xi. The delegation comprising entrepreneurs from a range of sectors were here to explore the possibility of developing trade or starting investments in Sri Lanka.

Liu is also the Chairman of the Lions Club in Dalian and engaged in large scale real estate development. The Lions Club recently made inroads in China. Lions Clubs have been set up in 10 major Chinese cities.

The BOI was represented by Director, Media and Publicity, Dilip S. Samarasinghe, Director, Promotion, Ms Nilupul de Silva and Deputy Director Director, Investments, Ms Kumudini Ratnaweera.

The BOI officials briefed the delegation on the sectors promoted by the BOI and also on opportunities Sri Lanka offers investors. The present status of Chinese investment in Sri Lanka was also discussed.

There are over 30 Chinese companies which have invested in Sri Lanka in areas such as manufacturing, tourism and fisheries. There are also large scale construction projects of which the Colombo Port City is the most high profile Chinese project to be set up under the BOI.

"Twelve members of our delegation are members of the Lions Club. We wish to develop co-operation between Sri Lanka and China. Our members are using their excess resources to help the people of China at present. We will extend this to other friendly countries such as Sri Lanka," said Liu.

"China and Sri Lanka have a long history of friendship and co-operation. We are like Gemer (a Chinese term for close friendship).

This is the first time we are in Sri Lanka but not the last time and when we come back next it will be with more detailed project proposals," he said.

In recent years the BOI has extensively targeted China as a source for investment. The BOI has published promotional literature in Chinese which are also posted on the Board's website.

The BOI will soon produce a Chinese language promotional video.