Elusive Czech visas open for Lankan biz from next week

Friday, 8 November 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

First ever MoU between Prague and Colombo biz inked
Bilateral trade rise on both directions, 117% from 2008
This is definitely the opportunity for us: Rishad
We know exactly what you need: Czech Minister Kohout
Czech visa to be issued in Colombo starting next week

Signifying the renewed bilateral trade push between Sri Lanka and the Czech Republic, the first ever bilateral B2B initiative between the two countries became a reality on 6 November in Colombo and the new linkage has opened the door for Lankan businesses to get Czech visas right here in Colombo, instead from New Delhi as usual.

“Given the export and import structure and the nature of commodities being produced in our economies, I am confident that this MoU and resulting exchanges will reach, and result in new trade levels,” said Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen on 6 November in Colombo. Minister Bathiudeen was addressing the MoU signing event and B2B session between Prague’s Czech Chamber of Commerce and Colombo’s National Chamber of Commerce (NCC) at the NCC premises, in Colombo. Also taking part on the occasion were Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic J. Kohout, Ambassador of the Czech Republic accredited to Sri Lanka Miloslav Stasek, President of Economic Chamber of Commerce of Czech Republic Petr Kuzel, President of National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka S.G. Wijesinha, Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Commerce Anura Siriwardena, members from Chambers of Prague and Colombo as well as officials from both countries. An MoU between both chambers were signed by President of National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka S.G. Wijesinha and President of Economic Chamber of Commerce of Czech Republic Petr Kuzel.

“With the elimination of terrorism in May 2009 under the able leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the economic environment in Sri Lanka is becoming more and more stable. I need not reiterate the fact that our two countries are maintaining a very cordial and friendly relationship in many fields. “On bilateral trade we have seen a positive trend with gradually increasing trade in both directions. In 2012 our bilateral trade stood at $ 22 million. It is my opinion however that the level of current trade is certainly below the potential that exists between our two countries. “Given the export and import structure and the nature of commodities being produced in our economies, I am confident that this MoU and resulting exchanges will reach and result in new trade levels, if we work on right strategies and promotional programs. “I also wish to convey that the bilateral free trade agreements that we have with India and Pakistan and regional trade agreements such as South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) and Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), provide duty free and highly preferential market access for products manufactured in Sri Lanka and export to member countries of these agreements. “This is definitely an opportunity for Czech investors and manufacturers who are looking for business opportunities in these important markets through their investments in Sri Lanka” said Minister Bathiudeen, addressing the event. According to the Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka’s first exports to the Czech Republic were in 1997, with the export of tea and surgical gloves. Apparel and clothing constitutes more than 90% of Sri Lanka’s exports to Slovakia followed by coconut fibre, margarine, rubber tyres, articles of textile, toys, games and sports requisites, and geo textiles. Total trade that stood at $ 13.63 million in 2008 has grown by 117% by 2012 to $ 29.58 million. Among the main imports from Czech to Sri Lanka are thermostats, self–propelled bulldozers, and angle dozers and graders. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic J. Kohout, addressing the event, said: “This Czech business delegation did not fall from sky. We made special efforts to formulate and bring this business delegation to Sri Lanka. “Czech-Sri Lanka relations go a long time back. When our GDP hit zero growth in the recent years, Sri Lankan GDP was growing at 6-8%. Sri Lanka’s progress is remarkable. We are an industrial country. There is huge potential for cooperation between both countries. “We know exactly what your needs are and we know exactly where you are. Therefore we can match your needs. To strengthen B2B and trade cooperation better, it is now arranged that from 15 November, Czech Visa can be obtained from the French Embassy in Colombo. There is no need for Sri Lankan business to go to New Delhi anymore to get the Czech Visa.”