Sri Lanka ready to invest in Belarusian projects

26 августа 2013
Today Minsk will host a series of meetings in the framework of a three-day official visit of the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to Belarus. A large business delegation headed by Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived yesterday.

By Alesya Vysotskaya: The visit of Sri Lanka President once again proves the genuine interest of this South Asian republic in Belarus. A couple of months ago, a large Sri Lanka delegation worked in Minsk; then it was declared about the country's readiness to invest in Belarusian projects.

Export potential of Belarusian goods is high not only for Sri Lanka but also for China, India, and Pakistan - the country's trading partners. Thus, Sri Lanka can become a reference point in the Asian market for Belarus.

The diplomatic relations between Belarus and Sri Lanka were established not so long ago - in 2000. Over the last year the trade turnover between the countries amounted to about 46 million dollars. We import tea and export potash fertilizers, industrial equipment, tractors, buses to Sri Lanka. Strengthening of trade partnership and creation of joint ventures will be the major topics to be discussed during the visit.


Sri Lanka takes the lead in the region in terms of GDP per capita. The country ranks third in the world in tea production, second only to India and China. The production of natural rubber and cinnamon are also well developed. The textile industry generates more than 60 percent of the country's total exports.

The visit to Belarus is expected to become a catalyst for the development of bilateral relations in politics, economy and investment. The President of Sri Lanka is accompanied by a large delegation of businessmen and representatives of the country's business circles. The agenda includes high-level meetings as well as negotiations in the Government and Parliament. Specific contracts may be signed at a business forum.