US eying SL for more investments, expanding bilateral relationships
View(s):With more business opportunities opening out in Sri Lanka, more US corporates are looking to invest and form bilateral relationships considering the country’s geographical location in the world map, says Atul Keshap, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives. He was speaking at the launch of the US Trade Show at the Galadari Hotel in Colombo on November 17-18.
Mr. Keshap said there are new and tremendous opportunities for US and Sri Lanka to work together to enhance economic relationship and expand bilateral trade. Sri Lankans have made clear their intent to leave aside the divisive politics of the past in order to build a promising future and the government has responded with plans to adopt policies that will make it easier for businesses to operate in and trade with Sri Lanka, for not only the US but businesses from across the globe.
Adding to that, Sri Lanka enjoys remarkable competitive advantages that US and other countries are taking note of. “In the south of the country you will see numerous container ships and tankers passing by the ramparts of Galle Fort,” noted Mr. Keshap while stating that Sri Lanka is geographically close to some of the biggest and most vibrant commercial markets in the world. Sri Lanka is also a wonderful place to live and makes an excellent regional hub. In 2014, Sri Lanka imported US$350 million of products and services from the US which figure it would like to see grow with time.
U.S companies are waiting to see more economic policy consistency, a more fiscally stable government and sustained enforcement of anti-corruption policies in Sri Lanka. US capital and business tend to flow to countries that succeed in providing this stability. Going forward, the government and members of this business community will work together to make the reforms necessary to set Sri Lanka on the path towards long-term prosperity and help grow the bilateral trade between the US and Sri Lanka, noted Mr. Keshap.
(RM)