President tells private sector to grab expanding opportunities in overseas markets

Monday, 19 August 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Friday urged stated that opportunities for local entrepreneurs in the international market have widened due to Sri Lanka’s positive diplomatic relations with many countries. Addressing a meeting convened with the local business community at Temple Trees to seek proposals and suggestions for the next year’s Budget, the President said that local entrepreneurs should be ready to compete in the international market, protecting Sri Lankan identity. The meeting focused on obtaining the suggestions and ideas of local manufacturers and business owners on using modern technology to increase the productivity and quality of the local manufacturing businesses. The business community apprised the President of their grievances at the meeting and requested that the President takes measures to safeguard local industries.

Many leading entrepreneurs representing apparel, leather-ware and shoes, pharmaceuticals, porcelain, food production, tea and rubber, timber, motor spare parts and many other sectors participated in this meeting. Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and secretaries to ministries, including Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, participated at the discussion.