COLOMBO: Both Sri Lanka and the Czech Republic have expressed interest to further enhance and deepen bilateral ties between the two countries as there is a big potential for further development. Mirror Business learns that both the countries finalized an economic corporation agreement last week in Colombo, with Development Strategies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama to sign in Prague this October. During the visit to Prague in June, Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera initiated the discussions to conclude the double taxation agreement, for which a round of talks had taken place in Prague this April. Czech Junior Deputy Foreign Minister Foreign Affairs Ivan Jančárek, who was in Sri Lanka during his mission to Sri Lanka and Indonesia, said that the scope of the trade can be further broadened between the two countries, as Czech Republic not only delivers quality products in a wide range of industries but also provides comprehensive solutions in many fields including technology.
Being good political partners and also good economic partners, he said that trade between the two countries stands at US $ 70 million. “A lot more has to be done. We can offer our knowledge in technology and also finance, also good quality products,” he said addressing a business forum held in Colombo organised by the Czech Republic Embassy in Delhi and Consulate of the Czech Republic in Sri Lanka. He noted that education and tourism are two other areas which have more room for development. Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Republic of India Milan Hovorka said that this high-calibre visit is seen as a recognition of all the good work, the authorities and people of Sri Lanka have made towards democracy, good governance and human rights. He said it also signals the expression of confidence Czech Republic has in Sri Lanka’s businesses, its bold programmes for economic reforms, its ambition in opening up the economy, ease of doing business, and making the country more attractive for domestic and foreign investments to reach higher level. He said that Sri Lanka has emerged as one of the most preferred overseas tourist destination for the Czech Republic.
Despite all these positive messages, he said that the potential is substantially higher and it has not yet reached that stage fully. “We are committed to develop. I would like to urge our Sri Lankan partners to be more active with us, be ready to explore the possibilities of the Czech market. We remain fully committed and ready to stand behind you and ready to assist in opening bilateral contacts, to take the economy relationship to the next level,” he said. Honorary Consul Dr. Lohitha Samarawickrema said that a collective combination is required to make the bond stronger.
“The combination and link between Czech Republic and Sri Lanka are not happening great. With all the presentations here, we have to make a platform to make this bond stronger. So we thought we will get the consulate, we get all these chambers to one platform and link with Czech Chamber of Commerce to enhance their links in the future,” he said. “Therefore, I have advised my staff to get information on the opportunities and investment happening in Sri Lanka to one database to make theses links,” he added. The main Czech exports to Sri Lanka are synthetic caoutchouc, artificial guts, irons, telephones, tricycles, prams, car accessories, knives, saw, paper and cardboard products, etc. The main Sri Lankan exports to Czech Republic are textiles, tea, etc.
