The Czech Republic’s ascendency to EU presidency in January this year has led to an ambitious plan of increasing its exports to Sri Lanka while providing opportunities to Sri Lankan and Czech investors to enter their respective markets by way of Foreign Direct Investments.
Dr. Hynek Kmoníèek, the Czech Ambassador for Sri Lanka based in New Delhi, in an interview with The Sunday Times FT last week, said the plan to improve bilateral economic and cultural relations between the two countries has been initiated with more vigour during the past few weeks commencing with the meeting of Foreign Ministers of Sri Lanka and the Czech Republic in Brussels last month.
The meeting requested by Sri Lanka was aimed at discussing the GSP+ facility, and cooperation between the EU and Sri Lanka.
Dr. Kmoníèek, who visited Colombo to attend a cultural presentation comprising of an art and photo exhibition, and a musical concert in Colombo in celebration of the Czech Republic gaining the Presidency of the EU, said a high powered delegation headed by Deputy Foreign Minister of Czech Republic will be visiting Sri Lanka this month to further strengthen economic relations and to discuss the economic promotion plan.
At present the trade balance is in favour of Sri Lanka with the country’s exports to the Czech Republic at US$ 7.2 million and its imports at around US$ 3.4 million.
Dr. Kmonicek said he expressed willingness during his talks with Foreign Ministry officials, to motivate Czech companies operating in South India to set up branches and joint ventures in Sri Lanka to produce power generators, turbines and electrical equipment and motor vehicles under the famous Skoda brand.
He added that there is considerable potential for the improvement in bilateral trade and the Hony. Consul of the Czech Republic in Sri Lanka, Jayantha Fernando is making every effort to further strengthen trade relations between the two countries. |
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