FM meets Top level Chinese Politician

Photo:Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama meets with Zhong Shan Vice Governor of Zhejiang Province

(December, 26, Zhejiang, China, Sri Lanka Guardian) Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama met with Zhong Shan Vice Governor of Zhejiang Province in Hangzhou.

The Vice Governor welcoming the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister recalled the close ties that exist between Sri Lanka and China. He went on to emphasise that time has come to spread our strong political and economic relations with the regions.

Zhejiang is a province in the South East of China, prosperous and well managed province. Being one of the cradles of ancient civilization of China, Zhejiang has a long history and splendid culture. The annual growth rate of provincial GDP is above 9% in 2007, the economic aggregate exceeded RMB￥1000 billion, fiscal revenue over RMB￥150 billion, per capita GDP near US$3000, and the proportion of added value of high and new technology industry to GDP should be above 10%.

Foreign Minister while thanking the Vice Governor for the warm welcome extended to the Sri Lankan delegation explained that Sri Lanka was looking to promote trade, investment and tourism in the provinces of China and closer cooperation and interaction with the Chambers. He went on to brief the Vice Governor regarding Sri Lanka’s economic achievements and explain the facilities available to potential Chinese investors.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister porposed that Hangzhou the capital of Zhejiang Province to be linked with a suitable city in Sri Lanka in order to further promotes ties between the two countries. He also extended an invitation to the Vice Governor to visit Sri Lanka.

The Vice Governor while appreciating Sri Lanka’s commitment to the “One China Policy” stated that he had visited Sri Lanka 14 years ago. He went on to state that even though the trade volume between the two countries were not high there was a lot of scope to promote and further develop bilateral trade between the two countries.

Vice Governor Zhong while responding positively to the Twining of the two cities stated that they would encourage potential Chinese nationals to visit Sri Lanka to get a first hand experience of the facilities available to promote trade and investment. He also thanked the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister for his invitation to visit Sri Lanka and hopes to lead a delegation in the New Year .