Dumindra Ratnayake, Chairman of the BOI, Mrs. Indira Malwatte, Chairperson of the EDB and Ms Sophie Clavelier, Head of Business France, South Asia, signed the MOU on behalf of the respective organizations. Jean-Marin Schuh, Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and the Maldives as well as senior officials of the BOI, EDB and Business France participated on this occasion.

Chairman Dumindra Ratnayake stated “This MOU is a very positive development since it will help to increase in the future investment in areas such as manufacturing and infrastructure. He added “another important development is Port City with many opportunities for construction and other investment in the future.” Mr. Ratnayake also said that the agreement will help to strengthen relations and facilitate trade and investment with France in the future.

Chairperson Indira Malwatte stated “France is the 6th largest market for our exports to the European union.” Sri Lanka is to launch the National Export Strategy and this will also generate greater interest in our products. Currently we are promoting Ship and Boat building, spices to be used in the manufacture of perfumes and cosmetics and of course the IT sector. It is our decision to focus just on three sectors for the moment and these are sectors where France is very strong.”

Ms Sophie Clavelier, stated “We had a very positive meeting and I am excited to sign this MOU on behalf of the CEO of Business France. We must ensure that this MOU must live and must work together in developing certain niche areas that Sri Lanka has to offer. One area which I would like to see develop is the Agro Sector where Sri Lanka has lot of potential.” She added that a country such as Sri Lanka should not look at competing with giant economies such as India but that “Sri Lanka should be developing niche sectors that are quality orientated. We should not look at large but at quality and high-end sectors.”

Jean-Marin Schuh, Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and the Maldives also stated “The MOU will enhance the economic co-operation between Sri Lanka and France. We are currently focusing on expanding French exports as well as Sri Lankan investment in France.” He added “There are certain areas where l see many possibilities. For example, the French side could be interested in developing Sri Lankan ports as France has many leading shipping companies. I also see opportunities in the development of tourism. This is an area where France has considerable experience and in 2020 our country will attract 120 million tourists in the course of the year. Other areas that very promising are co-operation in the financial sector and also we are currently involved in the development of mini dairies.”

Under the Agreement the parties are to exchange information and provide mutual support for the benefit of their clients and also to promote economic growth in both Sri Lanka and France.

In addition, the MOU seeks to encourage each party to promote the image of the other country and support FDI from its nationals to the other country.

Another clause of the MOU stipulates that the party will exert their influence for the promotion of commercial and industrial partnership between French and Sri Lankan companies.

The MOU also includes a commitment for the provision of commercial information and for assisting each other in organizing Fairs, Seminars and Business mission and co-operation in areas such as publications and creating awareness on investment environment, policies and regulations. Each party is to provide the other with available and relevant information on initiatives with the purpose of increasing business for French and Sri Lankan companies in each other markets.

Furthermore, periodically meetings will be organized whenever it is necessary to evaluate the development of joint activities or future co-operation between the parties.

It is also important to note that each party is responsible for its own costs of operation. The agreement will be in effect for a period of two years and would be automatically renewed unless notice is given by one of the parties.

The MOU also covers intellectual property rights and the use of trademarks and logos of their signatories. There is also mechanism for consultation between the signatories of the MOU.

The MOU augurs well for future expansion of tourism, trade and investment from France to Sri Lanka.