New Ceylon Chamber team calls on President, pledges to boost economy

Wednesday, 28 July 2021 00:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) yesterday assured President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that it was eager to promote a number of sectors, including exports and tourism, as soon as the country returns to normalcy with its vaccination drive.

With the President having implemented the policies listed in the ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ national policy framework amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the CCC pointed out that it could take advantage of this and contribute to the rapid development of the economy.

The newly-elected office bearers of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce stated this at a meeting held with the President at the Presidential Secretariat.

The newly elected office bearers commended the President’s efforts to bring the country back to normalcy through the vaccination program. Infrastructure has been rapidly developed, especially the road network. They pointed out that its benefits would greatly enhance investment opportunities in the near future.

The officials of the CCC highlighted the possibility of expanding export opportunities by entering into a Free Trade Agreement with the UK. The officials said the National Agenda Committees of the CCC had paid special attention to the Government’s programs implemented to promote sustainable energy, agriculture and the field of technology.

However with investors being discouraged by some of the laws and regulations currently in effect, the President said one of the main objectives of the Government was to remove such obstacles and to encourage exports by preventing corruption and malpractices through the introduction of digitalisation.

The President said that the Government’s responsibility was to create employment opportunities, and pointed out the need to provide opportunities for the new generation to come forward as entrepreneurs and businesspersons.

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was established in 1839 and, currently, it has 560 member companies. The Regional Chambers of Commerce have expanded to cover all parts of the country.

Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera, Economic Policies and Plan Implementation Ministry Secretary Anusha Pelpita and other officials, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce former Chairman Hans Wijesuriya, current Chairman V. Govindasamy and the new office bearers of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, were also present at the meeting.