Sri Lanka Centre opens in China

Colombo: Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, Karunatilaka Amunugama has hailed the opening of the 'Sri Lanka Centre' in Shanghai as another milestone in Sino-Lanka relations.

Speaking on the occasion of the inauguration of the Sri Lanka Centre at the Shanghai Mart on September 11, he recalled the close relations that exist between the two countries and noted the steady development of bilateral relations and the comprehensive partnership through mutual support for lasting friendship.

He went on to state that the event is of particular significance as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of independence of Sri Lanka. Ambassador Amunugama pointed out that the Sri Lanka Centre in Shanghai would serve as a catalyst to promote investment opportunities in Sri Lanka and enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.

The Sri Lankan Ambassador thanked Mr. S.P. Tao of Shin Kwan Group, a leading investor in Sri Lanka for many years and who is presently building one of the largest commercial/housing complexes in the heart of Colombo for offering his premises at the Shanghai Mart to showcase Sri Lankan products in Eastern China.

During the opening ceremony, the appointment of Mr. Lee Kang Ho, Chief Representative of Shin Kwan Group as the Honorary Representative of the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka in Shanghai, was announced.

Shanghai has become the largest economic centre and an important port city in China.

It has maintained a GDP growth rate of over 10 percent during the last decade. More than 130 foreign countries and regions have investments in 50,000 local projects.

The rationale for the establishment of the 'Sri Lanka Centre' is to showcase Sri Lankan products under one roof in order to market them in Eastern China and attract investment to Sri Lanka.

The Centre will promote Sri Lankan niche products and also provide services such as business to business (B2B) meetings, explore marketing opportunities, securing orders for Sri Lankan exporters, attracting Chinese investment through matching arrangements with local partners.