France to provide more assistance to dairy sector in Sri Lanka

Friday, 23 December 2022 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

New French Ambassador Jean Francois Pactet said France is keen to expedite proposed dairy projects to enhance milk production in Sri Lanka.

He stated this when he called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees in Colombo yesterday. The Ambassador also stressed the need for Sri Lanka to increase exports to France to further balance bilateral trade. Key exports from Sri Lanka to France are apparel, fisheries products, pneumatic rubber tyres, liquid coconut milk and tea.

The Prime Minister said more French investors should enter into new areas of investment such as fisheries, agriculture, information technology, renewable energy, electronics and tourism. He thanked the Ambassador for the support extended to Sri Lanka to overcome the current economic crisis, especially for the support and goodwill of the French Government in its capacity as the Chair of the Paris Club.

They also discussed strengthening cooperation in maritime security, education, information technology and agriculture. Prime Minister Gunawardena thanked the French government for assistance provided to universities for French language studies.

First Counsellor, Deputy Head of Mission Aurélien Maillet and Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister Mahinda Gunaratne also participated in the discussion.