Sri Lanka - Czech ties strengthened
Economic Development Hon. Minister Mr. Basil Rajapaksa recently led a Sri Lankan delegation to the Czech Republic on an official visit and participated at the first Sri Lanka - Czech Economic Forum organized by the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic. There the Hon Minister met with Czech Industry and Trade Minister Martin Kuba.
He also met Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas at his office where Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Tomas Dub was also present. Minister Rajapaksa and Minister Kuba addressed the Economic Forum and discussed prospects for enhanced trade and economic cooperation as well as opportunities for joint collaboration in the important sectors of economy of the two countries.
The vast potential that exists for investment in Sri Lanka for the Czech Republic in several areas was highlighted at this discussion.
Minister Rajapaksa observed the increased potential for Czech tourists to visit Sri Lanka following the expansion of the island's tourism sector. He also met the Czech Republic's Environment Minister Tomas Chalupa. Environment and Renewable Energy Minister Susil Premajayanth was also present at this meeting. The Ministers discussed issues relating to promotion of sustainable energy and protection of the environment and means of cooperating actively in this important arena of global concern in the relevant international fore. They discussed the possibilities of further strengthening cooperation in the areas of renewable energy and waste management. Minister Premajayanth visited a waste recycling plant in Prague during the visit. Visiting the Czech Parliament, Minister Rajapaksa met with Vice President Jan Hamacek and Senate President Milan Stech. They emphasized the need to increase people-to-people contact, among several other matters of bilateral importance. During the meeting the Sri Lankan delegation had with the Czech side, the importance of facilitating collaboration between companies in the field of Ayurvedic matters including through investment from Sri Lankan companies in Ayurvedic Spas in the Czech Republic, was underscored.