The Sri Lankan government has recognized the need to digitalize the economy and administration to face the socio-economic challenges of the future, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe told the 15th Asia–Pacific Conference of German Business in Hong Kong last week.
Taking part in the Minister’s Dialogue Panel at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Prime Minister invited investors to assist Sri Lanka in digitalizing its economy.
The Prime Minister also made references to the education sector citing that loans were being granted on concessionary rates for students to purchase laptops, free tabs to Advanced Level students, setting up of free Wi-Fi zones whilst making the 13-year school education compulsory in Sri Lanka.
The Asia–Pacific Conference of German Business 2016 seeks to intensify business opportunities between the German government and investors in Asia. Over 1,000 leaders from business and politics were said to have converged in Hong Kong for the conference where discussions were centered on globalization, the open market and the investment environment.
The German representative Deputy Chancellor Sigma Gabriel assured the country’s full support for Sri Lanka to regain the GSP+ status. He gave the assurance during bilateral talks, adding that Germany would assist Sri Lanka. Germany has vouched assistance in the field of education, economy and investment.
The conference also focused on collective efforts to achieve future economic developments in each country. This is the first conference held since Britain’s exit from the European Union, which proves the conference is a significant meeting place for Germany and the Asia Pacific region.
A delegation of seven, including Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrama participated in the Conferences.
The Prime Minister also attended a breakfast talk with other leading State leaders in attendance at the inauguration ceremony of the Asia Pacific Conference.
The delegation was accompanied by Prof. Maithri Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in China, Dr. Karunasena Koddithuwakku, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Saman Attaudahetti and National Policies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama.
PM Wickremesinghe speaking at the Ministers Dialogue Panel.