The Sri Lanka High Commission in South Africa, in collaboration with Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Mozambique Chamber of Commerce and Industry concluded a successful virtual meeting on recently regarding Construction, Engineering Services and Renewable Energy Project opportunities available in Mozambique for Sri Lankan companies.
President of the Mozambique Chamber of Commerce and Industry Alvaro Massingue, Secretary General of the Chamber Teresa Muenda and Hipolito Hamela represented business and industry in Mozambique.
High Commissioner Prof. Gamini Gunawardane outlined the available opportunities in the low cost housing, commercial and governmental buildings, infrastructure, and energy sectors in Mozambique.
He outlined the vast expertise and experience gained in last few decades by the Sri Lankan engineering firms locally and internationally, and invited the two sides to exchange information, inquiries and concerns with a view to organizing subsequent B2B meetings and visits to Mozambique by Sri Lankan firms.
Managing Director of Sunken Constructions (Pvt) Limited and President of Major Constructors’ Association of Sri Lanka, Ranjith Goonatilleke, Group Director of Sierra Holdings, Priyantha Perera and President of the Small Hydropower Association, Thusitha Peiris, also spoke representing the twenty nine Sri Lankan companies participated in this event.
The Chairman of the Sustainable Energy Authority, Ranjith Sepala outlined the progress achieved by Sri Lanka in the sustainable energy sector since 1997.
They presented their expertise and experience in Sri Lanka and other countries (such as Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda, Middle East, and Pakistan) in Construction, Mechanical and Structural Engineering, Design, Architecture, Project Management, Quantity Surveying and Sustainable Energy Projects.
Representatives of the Mozambique Chamber of Commerce and Industry, answered questions raised by the Sri Lankan firms on projections of energy needs, funding sources (World Bank and African Development Bank), land lease regulations, double taxation and investment recoupment agreements and the assistance given for foreign companies to operate in Mozambique.
The meeting concluded with Sri Lankan companies agreeing to submit detailed questions and concerns, Mozambique Chamber of Commerce agreeing to respond to such questions and also locating specific opportunities and organisations for Sri Lankan companies to pursue further.
Participants also expressed a desire to visit Mozambique around July, 2022 for direct meetings with the Mozambique Chamber of Commerce, firms and relevant government institutions of Mozambique. EDB and the Sri Lankan High Commission agreed to actively coordinate and assist these efforts.