HSBC Sri Lanka-obg sign MOU for ‘Sri Lanka 2018’ report
Sri Lanka’s broad-based plans for boosting both foreign direct investment (FDI) and exports are explored in detail in a forthcoming report by the global research and consultancy firm Oxford Business Group (OBG).
Marking OBG’S third publication on the country, ‘The Report: Sri Lanka 2018’ tracks several developments across the economy, including Port City Colombo, the Chinesebacked real estate project, which has been earmarked for a key part in the Asian giant’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative.
There will be in-depth analysis of what Sri Lanka can expect to gain from the free trade agreement it had signed with Singapore in January 2018, following 18 months of negotiations, which, while not without its critics, is expected to pave the way for future trade agreements.
Other topics examined include the country’s decision to sharpen its focus on It-related services, including business process outsourcing, as part of a wider bid to diversify exports. OBG’S report will also consider the challenges Sri Lanka faces in its efforts to address the country’s high levels of debt, which are exacerbated by a relatively low revenue base.
HSBC Sri Lanka has signed a second memorandum of understanding (MOU) with OBG for its forthcoming publication. Under the MOU, the lender will once again help OBG to research and produce the banking chapter and other parts of The Report: Sri Lanka 2018.
HSBC Sri Lanka and the Maldives CEO Mark Prothero said he looked forward to teaming up with OBG for its 2018 report and highlighting the key developments within the industry and beyond that were helping to shape the country’s changing economic landscape.
“Given Sri Lanka’s ambitious growth agenda, taking advantage of its geographic location to ensure strategic positioning in global value chains, strengthening international trade through various trade agreements and seeking out digital solutions, are some of the critical focal points for the country to build on its competitive advantage. HSBC has played a strategic role in the evolution of the Sri Lankan economy for the last 126 years. We recognize that harnessing technological capabilities to take advantage of the evolving digital landscape can be a game changer for the local economy and the banking industry.”
OBG Editorial Manager Sri Lanka Nathan Thadani welcomed HSBC Sri Lanka on board for its new project, saying he was confident the lender’s contribution would bring an added dimension to the 2018 report.
“With FDI accounting for just 1 percent of gross domestic product, Sri Lanka is keen to raise its profile on the global stage and highlight the country’s emerging opportunities to international investors,” he said.
“HSBC Sri Lanka is a key player on the international banking scene, with a presence that covers nearly 90 percent of global trade flows. I’m delighted that both our team and readers will once again benefit from the input of its experts.”
The Report: Sri Lanka 2018 marks the culmination of more than six months of field research by a team of analysts from OBG. It will be a vital guide to the many facets of the country, including its macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking and other sectoral developments.
The report also contains contributions from leading representatives, including: President Maithripala Sirisena, UK International Trade State Minister Greg Hands, IMF Asia and Pacific Department Director Changyong Rhee and China Communications Construction Company Chairman Qitao Liu.
The Report: Sri Lanka 2018 was produced with the Board of Investment and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Contributions will also be made by First Capital Holdings, PWC Sri Lanka and John Wilson Partners. It will be available in print and online.