New report to evaluate Govt. reforms and key projects

Saturday, 17 December 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Board of Investment signs MoU with Oxford Business Group for vital guide to Sri Lanka’s economy

Sri Lanka’s evolving trade and investment laws and their impact on FDI levels will be analysed in a report on the country by the global publishing firm Oxford Business Group (OBG).

‘The Report: Sri Lanka 2017’ will shine a spotlight on the Colombo Port City and Megapolis initiatives, which, together with other big-ticket projects, are expected to generate significant foreign interest and help make new growth more inclusive.

OBG’s publication will also analyse the Government’s plans to boost private-sector participation across some of the country’s State-owned enterprises, with preparations already under way at key entities, such as Srilankan Airlines. The challenges that Sri Lanka faces to reducing its balance sheet and bringing the private sector on board will also be analysed.

The Board of Investment (BoI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with OBG for the publishing firm’s forthcoming report on Sri Lanka. Under the MOU, the BOI will team up with OBG to compile and produce The Report: Sri Lanka 2017.

Commenting on the MOU, the BOI Chairman Upul Jayasuriya said, “I am thrilled to see our strategic partnership with OBG continue, and look forward to seeing it grow in line with Sri Lanka’s long-term development.”

OBG’s Country Director Andrea Tsiachtsiri said she looked forward to working with the BoI’s representatives on The Report: Sri Lanka 2017, as the team prepares to plot the country’s growth story and chart its bid to broaden the economy.

“Sri Lanka is in the midst of change, with a national drive to improve investor sentiment gaining pace against a backdrop of reforms,” she said. “The Board of Investment is a key player in Sri Lanka’s efforts to facilitate trade and attract higher levels of FDI. I’m delighted that our report will benefit from its insight and input.”

The Report: Sri Lanka 2017 will be a vital guide to the many facets of the country, including its macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking and other sectoral developments. The publication will also contain contributions from leading representatives, including the President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. It will be available in print and online.