MOU with China to boost rubber industry

Thursday, 30 October 2014 00:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lanka Rubber Research Institute has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China’s state-owned CETC International for the development of the RRI. The collaboration with CETC will include infrastructure development, upgrading of essential equipment and technical assistance.

The proposed laboratory complex is expected to provide facilities to all stakeholders in the rubber sector including the SME sector, rubber product manufacturers including large-scale manufacturers, rubber-based trading companies, rubber importers, research and development personnel, university students and academia. The MOU was signed in recognition of Sri Lanka’s position as one of the world’s largest natural rubber exporters. The RRI was setup in 1909 to cater to the research and development aspects of the rubber industry. It was the world’s first ever rubber research institute which made a major contribution to the advancement of global rubber industry. Plantations Industries Ministry Secretary Dr. Damitha De Soysa and CETC International (Colombo Office) Chief Representative Cai Yang signed the MOU in the presence of Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe. Also present were Plantation Industries Ministry Director (Development) Dhammika Ranatunga, RRI Director General Dr. Gamini Seneviratne and CETC Representative (Colombo Office) Nadya Ji.