Belarus’ Industry Ministry to establish co-operation with Sri Lanka in wide range of areas

The Industry Ministry is interested in establishing co-operation with Sri Lanka in a wide range of areas – as stated by the Deputy Industry Minister, Aleksandr Yefimov, on meeting the Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Mass Media of Sri Lanka, Bandula Gunawardana, the Industry Ministry’s press service reports

The negotiations were held with participation of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sri Lanka to Russia and Belarus (concurrently), Janita Abeyvikrem Liyanage, the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Belarus, Dmitry Ruzanov, and heads of Belarusian industrial holdings.

Mr. Yefimov noted that the Industry Ministry attaches great importance to the development of trade and economic co-operation with Sri Lanka, “We have serious practical experience, competencies, technological and scientific base in the field of mechanical engineering, and we are ready to share them with our Sri Lankan partners. I believe that a wide range of Belarusian machine-building products will enjoy demand on the Sri Lankan market.”

According to Mr. Yefimov, there is a high potential in the development of co-operation in the field of tractor construction. Belarus is ready to offer a whole range of tractors, including models for agriculture and utilities. In addition, some enterprises of the Industry Ministry produce a full range of equipment for agriculture.

"Accordingly, we can offer completely Belarusian technology, starting from the supply of equipment and up to its maintenance and warranty service. This direction can become a locomotive of our bilateral co-operation," the official said.

For his part, the Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Mass Media of Sri Lanka expressed high interest in the supply of Belarusian electric buses and tractor equipment. “We are ready to consider various options for co-operation and to assist in the implementation of joint projects," Mr. Gunawardana said.

Following the negotiations, a decision was made to form a package of proposals on potential areas of co-operation.