COYLE explores collaborative opportunities with Chinese Embassy to boost bilateral ties
Daily FT: The Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) has expressed interest in fostering closer ties with the People’s Republic of China, and its support to help drive an economic recovery in Sri Lanka.
The conversation, which involved plenty of back and forth, with both sides presenting their views and concerns, centered around avenues for collaboration, particularly focusing on business delegations and opportunities for mutual growth.
Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhen Hong shared insights into the existing channels of cooperation between COYLE and the embassy. Emphasizing the embassy’s role as a vital contact point, the Ambassador highlighted ongoing cooperation with organizations such as Export Development Board (EDB) for exhibitions and trade fairs in China. The ongoing projects in the North, particularly by Chinese company, Paragon, were highlighted, demonstrating China’s confidence in and commitment to Sri Lanka. However, some concerns were also discussed, with both parties agreeing to work together in the future.
Highlighting tourism, COYLE discussed the potential for expansion of China’s tourism presence in Sri Lanka compared to the pre-COVID numbers as well as other regions presently.
However, the Ambassador pointed out that significant growth of Chinese tourism in the country was already underway. He emphasized that China has ascended to become the third-largest tourist origin for Sri Lanka, surpassing Russia and Ukraine. However, Ambassador Zhen Hong stressed the need for more concerted efforts, on the part of Sri Lanka, to promote the island as a travel destination to China and the rest of the world, highlighting the nation’s welcoming environment and natural attractions.
Against the backdrop of global economic uncertainties, the Ambassador conveyed China’s strategic confidence and strategic determination. The conversation also delved into the status of the Central Expressway construction project.
The Ambassador acknowledged delays were attributed to economic challenges and the need for further foreign investment into Sri Lanka. He shared that assessments from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were pivotal factors influencing the project’s progression.
Lastly, the discussion touched on the responsibility of borrowing parties to manage funds better with credibility and efficiency. While COYLE expressed Sri Lanka’s hope for continued Chinese support, the Chinese officials emphasized the need for borrowers to take responsibility in terms of utilization of funds. It was made clear that Chinese investments were made with the intention of infrastructure development and not ‘debt trapping’, however, Sri Lanka failing to utilize funds correctly had resulted in certain challenges, compounded by changes on the political front and global issues such as the pandemic.
China took the opportunity to recognize its historic ties with Sri Lanka, and agreed to provide support, provided Sri Lanka effectively addresses internal issues, maintains policy consistency, and international credibility. It was also communicated that Chinese financial institutions would offer proposals for debt and that Sri Lanka should be proactive in its response.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka and China enjoy strong bilateral and trade ties. These ties have resulted in the two countries now negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) that would further boost bilateral ties further. China is also a key development partner of Sri Lanka while many Chinese businesses have already set up businesses in the country. Sri Lanka’s economy is once again on a growth path after facing the challenges posed by the global pandemic and the economic crisis that followed. This has opened up a host of business/investment opportunities in all key economic sectors in Sri Lanka. The country’s geographical positioning in the Indian Ocean and the many trade agreements as well as trade concessions enjoyed by the country have also helped boost Sri Lanka as an emerging business destination in the South Asian region. With Sri Lanka on a growth path with many business/investment opportunities, Chinese businesses/investors could confidently explore lucrative opportunities in Sri Lanka. Chinese businesses could also look at forming partnerships or joint ventures with local businesses with the aim of expansion.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20230907/Z_2 |