President Sirisena woos Thai investors, calls for stronger bilateral business ties

The Thailand-Sri Lanka Business Forum was held under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena in Bangkok yesterday. Here Chief Guest President Sirisena receiving a memento - Pic by Sudath Silva, President’s Media

President Maithripala Sirisena, who is on a state visit to Thailand, yesterday invited Thai investors and business community to make use of highly liberalised economic policies of Sri Lanka and enhance bilateral trade relations.

Addressing the Thailand-Sri Lanka Business Forum in Bangkok on Tuesday, the President expressed delight over the fact that the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Somkid Jutusripitak, who is responsible for economic development, has taken a personal interest and attended the Forum to partner the drive to combine trade and investment relations between Sri Lanka and Thailand.

The President pointed out to the Thai business community that the total trade between the two countries has been increasing since 2004 and in 2014 it increased to US$ 516 Million.

He further stated that Sri Lanka has a highly liberalised economy and follows a business friendly policy environment that favors economic growth and the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka functions as the central facilitation point for investors with advice and assistance throughout the investment process.

President Sirisena also pointed out the sectors that need future investment such as tourism sector, high-tech manufacturing for export, infrastructure, telecommunications, primary and alternative energy sectors, agriculture and agro-based industries, pharmaceutical industries, gems and apparel.

The President conveyed his best wishes for a successful and productive outcome to the Thailand - Sri Lanka Business Forum and invited Thai business community and investors to visit Sri Lanka in order to witness the potential that exists for trade and investment in Sri Lanka for them.