The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber tightening its trade bonds with Sri Lanka at the recently conducted economic forum to show the potential Sri Lanka has in facilitating investor needs. Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake addressing the forum said they have managed to recognize 33 potential Austrian investors in their meetings held in Austria. It was stated that though the trade relations between the two countries have been bleak over the last year he expects a robust increase of investment coming in from Austria with the new strengthening of bonds. “Sri Lanka is on the move towards development with certain policies underway. We have already discussed with Austria, regarding bringing in an Austrian Airline coming into Sri Lanka so as to increase flights between Austria and Sri Lanka thus bringing in more Austrian tourists,” Karunanayake said.Deputy State Enterprise Development Minister Eran Wickremaratne said there are many areas for foreign investment even in the State enterprises. He said they hope to introduce new business models for the plantation industry that surpass the simple growing and exporting. It was suggested that the Dairy industry maybe a possible area for the Austria to invest in.
Austrian Ambassador for Sri Lanka, Bernard Wrabetz said there has been a definite interest in Sri Lanka in terms of trade and it was further mentioned that there is a certain lack of infrastructure in Sri Lanka though there are massive projects underway to which the ministers assured a systematic plan out sourced by Singapore will be implemented in due time.
The forum showcased leading Austrian companies.A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the European Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka.
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