India willing to provide ICT expertise to SL
A group of Indian industrialists has promised Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa their government support to enhance Indian investments in Sri Lanka.
The representatives comprising a team of Chief Executive Officers attached to the Indian Forum of Industrialists also extended an invitation to Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to participate in Delhi Economic Summit organized by the Indian Finance Ministry next month.
The visiting officials also expressed willingness to provide expertise and training on Information and Communication Technology to those who require such training in the field of ICT, a spokesman of the Economic Development Ministry said.
Minister Rajapaksa reiterated that the government was providing all facilities for Indian industries who have already invested in Sri Lanka. The Minister was of the view that these industries must carry out their constructions in an environmentally-friendly manner.
Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Ashok k. Kantha, Chairman of the forum and Godrej Group of companies Adi Godrej and Chairman of Bajaj Company Rahul Bajaj were present at the discussion.
India and Sri Lanka aim to double the bilateral trade between the two coun- tries by 2015. Sri Lanka reported a trade deficit equivalent to US$ 513 million in September 2012. However, from 2003 until 2012, the Balance of Trade between the two countries averaged – US$1014 million reaching an all time high of US$ 239.5 million in September of 2003 and a record low of US$ 2,974 million in December of 2011.