China’s CAITEC visits Pathfinder Foundation to discuss deepening cooperation

PF Founder Milinda Moragoda welcoming the timely visit of the delegation headed by CAITEC Director Prof. Zhang Dan

A three-member delegation, headed by Prof. Zhang Dan, Director of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation (CAITEC) visited the Pathfinder Foundation (PF) head office at River Point, Peliyagoda to discuss how they can strengthen institutional and bilateral relations.

PF Founder Milinda Moragoda welcoming the timely visit of the delegation emphasised the need for taking Sri Lanka to the next level of development. 

During the meeting, PF Executive Director Luxman Siriwardena stressed the importance of attracting Chinese direct investment to Sri Lanka, as the new government has place priority on promoting direct investment and trade in place of loan financing.

Furthermore, he stated that the Foundation was keen to look at constraints that Chinese companies face in doing business in Sri Lanka and how such issues can be addressed. The need for skills development of the younger generation and strengthening people-to-people relations was also emphasised. 

CAITEC is an inter-disciplinary and multifunctional social science research institution and a consultative body functioning directly under the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) of China. It undertakes research, information consultancy, publishing, education and training. In fact, the Institute of Industry Development and Strategy, which the delegation represented, is the most renowned department in the Institute and provides important information to the government regarding economic policies, free trade zones, bilateral trade agreements, BRI, etc.

Executive Director (Investment Promotion) Prasanjith Wijayathilake together with Navodya of the Board of Investment made an impressive presentation both in English and Mandarin on the investment climate in the country. They highlighted the priority sectors for which special incentives are provided by the BoI. The Chinese delegation expressed its keen interest in long term relations with the Pathfinder Foundation and undertaking detailed study on improving the climate for development of entrepreneurship and doing business in Sri Lanka. Both institutions agreed to continue the dialogue and develop a framework for future cooperation.

PF Chairman Bernard Goonetilleke, PF Executive Director Luxman Siriwardena and the delegation headed by CAITEC Director Prof. Zhang Dan

The visiting three-member delegation headed by CAITEC Director Prof. Zhang Dan with PF staff members Executive Director Luxman Siriwardena and Director Program Ameera Arooz