Belgium to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to regain GSP+ concession

Belgium’s Secretary of State for Foreign Trade Pieter De Crem made a one day official visit to Sri Lanka 18 February marking a new chapter in Sri Lanka - Belgium relations.

During the visit Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Harsha de Silva, held bilateral talks with the Belgian Minister, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

At the talks, the visiting Secretary expressed hope that the current developments in Sri Lanka would provide better opportunities for the existing ties between Sri Lanka and Belgium to be further enhanced. He also said Belgium will extend its support for Sri Lanka’s efforts to regain the GSP+ concession.

Acting Minister De Silva encouraged the Belgium business community to make use of the present investor friendly environment in Sri Lanka and explore business opportunities accordingly. State Secretary De Crem responded that there will be a business delegation headed by a high level political representative visiting Sri Lanka in the latter part of 2016 to explore opportunities.

It was noted that there are already several Belgium companies that are operating successfully in Sri Lanka in the fields of food processing, gems and jewelry, IT service, apparels, rubber based automotive components, tourism and infrastructure projects. However, attention was made to the fact that the balance of trade between Sri Lanka and Belgium remains in favor of Sri Lanka.

During the visit, State Secretary De Crem also held talks with the Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, Rajitha Senaratne, State Minister of International Trade Sujeewa Senasinghe, and Minister of Megapolis and Western Development, Champika Ranawaka.