Kabir Hashim kicks off 100-days oriented investment push

Tuesday, 20 January 2015 01:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Waruni Paranagamage The investment projects that come to the country via the Board of Investment (BOI) will have their requirements facilitated on time by the Government within 100 days of the new administration, Minister of Investment Promotion and Highways Kabir Hashim said yesterday. Addressing the heads of the BOI and Ministry of Highways and Investment Promotion, the Minister asserted they would investigate the circumstances of delayed investment projects and provide solutions.

To reap better benefits, the Minister said they intend to introduce new laws to interact with Government agencies such as the Urban Development Authority, Central Environmental Authority (CEO), Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Tourism when implementing the projects. He further emphasised the upcoming projects under the Ministry would focus on the benefits to the country and its people while ensuring fair transactions. He also highlighted the need of enhancing the BOI to provide competitive service for foreign investors among other regional countries. The Minister requested the gathered officials to speedily strengthen the Government effort of boosting the economy under the 100days program. He emphasised that the new Government was highly focused on delivering the economic benefits to the people. Overall among issues discussed during the meeting were fast tracking projects, upgrading the incentives that the BOI offers investors, strengthening Free Trade Agreements, and developing the current one-stop-shop. Deputy Minister of Highways and Investment Promotions Eran Wickramaratne also participated at the discussion.