Chinese operated Rubber free-trade zone once cabinet approval is granted - Navin Dissanayake

Minister Navin Dissanayake discussed with a Chinese delegation yesterday (Jan 11) possible measures to be taken to introduce a Chinese run free-trade zone for rubber in Sri Lanka once cabinet approval is granted in this regard.

Deputy Governor of China’s Hainan Province Shen Danyang and several other officials called on the Minister of Plantation Industries Navin Dissanayake at the premises of the Ministry yesterday.

The proposal to establish a free trade zone through the collaboration of the Chinese Central government and the Chinese Estate Council was discussed at the meeting.

The motive of the project is to strengthen the economic status of plantation workers, increase foreign exchange earnings, and provide employment, the Plantations Ministry said in a press release.

Further, Minister Dissanayake had thanked China for its support towards the plantation industry and other sectors in the country while adding that he hopes to foster a close relationship between the two countries in future as well.