New chapter in SL-Belgium trade ties

Belgium’s Wallooniya Investment and Trade Agency has agreed to export Sri Lankan products to European countries by the beginning of next year and expand air travel between Sri Lanka and Belgium towards the end of 2013.

This decision followed a meeting between Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa and top level representatives of the Wallooniya Investment and Trade Agency at the Sri Jayawardenapura Parliament complex.

Finding markets for Sri Lanka’s ornamental fish, natural flowers and fish products through the expansion of air links between the two countries was discussed at length at this meeting.

Minister Rajapaksa’s attention was also drawn to the drinking water projects already underway with Belgium’s assistance. They are now in progress at Balangoda, Embilipitiya and Padaviya. The Minister stressed the need for extending these projects to the North Central Province to prevent kidney diseases which have become a serious health hazard due to the lack of clean water.

Wallooniya Investment and Trade Agency’s Executive Director Philip Suineu and Managing Director Isabela Pollet were among those who participated in the event.