The Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade (MODSIT) and the USAID-SAIL project hosted a Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) on Global Trade for businessman in the Kurunegala district at Hotel Kamrel recently.
The event, titled, ‘Kurunegala in the Global Economy – How can the district maximise benefits and minimize risks?’, was the third in a series of district-level PPDs being held to increase the general awareness and understanding of trade, and obtain the views of wider and more representative groups of stakeholders across the country. Over 120 participants from Ministries, government agencies, the business community, trade chambers, the private sector and representatives of other key stakeholders were present.
The resource personnel were led by USAID-SAIL Trade Expert Dr. Sanath Jayanetti, who spoke on ‘Kurunegala in the Global Economy - How can the District Maximise Benefits and Minimise Risks’.
Deputy Director, Economic Growth Division, USAID, Brian Wittnebel; Nalin Bandara, Deputy Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade (MODSIT), Sisira Kodikara, Secretary MODSIT, Mr Gamini Illangaratne, Government Agent – Kurunegala District, P.H.B. Sirisena, Chief Secretary – North Western Province and Mr Glenn Mackenzie-Frazer, Chief of Party, USAID-SAIL Project were present.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister Nalin Bandara said, “International trade is a priority area of our Government and our Ministry has been a catalyst for many trade reforms over the past few years. Our Government has taken numerous initiatives to reorient the economy, and make Sri Lanka a respected and formidable player in the Asian region again.
“The focus of the government is to shift the economic growth model from one that was heavily dependent on debt-fuelled public infrastructure spending, to growth driven more by private enterprises, exports, and foreign direct investment.
“Attracting foreign investment is a key priority of the country right now, and this is where a lot of our policy initiatives are being undertaken,” he said.
USAID launched the four-year SAIL project in October 2016 to support economic reforms and promote Foreign Direct Investment in Sri Lanka. SAIL provides policy and institutional support to improve the business enabling environment and promote investment in Sri Lanka.