China promises further trade and investment promotion in Sri Lanka

To work together to reduce trade deficit:

Vice Minister of China's Ministry of Commerce Chen Jian expressed interest in boosting two-way trade between the two countries and further promoting investments during a meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday.

Vice Minister of China’s Ministry of Commerce Chen Jian called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday. During the discussion Jian told the President that China is interested in boosting two-way trade between the two countries and further promoting investments. Finance Deputy Minister and International Monetary Cooperation Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Secretary to the Treasury Dr. P. B. Jayasundera, President’s Chief-of-Staff Gamini Senarath, Industry and Commerce Ministry Secretary Anura Siriwardena and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in China Ranjith Uyangoda were also present.

Picture by Sudath Silva

President Rajapaksa thanked the Chinese Vice Minister for continued assistance and noted that most of the major landmarks around Colombo remind the Sri Lankan people of that support.

The delegation from China's Commerce Ministry is in Sri Lanka to take part in the joint economic and trade commission during which the delegations of the two countries will discuss plans for the next three to five years. "Our bilateral relationship is in very good shape," Jian said. "China and Sri Lanka have a long-standing and traditional friendship. There is no barrier to further cooperation between us."

In order to further enhance bilateral relation Jian said China hoped to focus on two areas. While China-Sri Lanka two-way trade is growing, "the two countries should work together to reduce the trade deficit," he said.

The Chinese officials informed President Rajapaksa that Sri Lankan products are becoming more popular in China and that they hope more Sri Lankan products will be introduced to the Chinese market in the future. With regard to investment promotion, Jian indicated that China, in addition to collaborating on large-scale projects would also like to invest in small and medium-scale projects.

A delegation of high-ranking officials from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce participated in the discussion.

Finance Deputy Minister and International Monetary Cooperation Minister Dr Sarath Amunugama, Secretary to the Treasury Dr P B Jayasundera, President's Chief-of-Staff Gamini Senarath, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce Anura Siriwardena and Sri Lanka's Ambassador in China Ranjith Uyangoda were also present.