German investors will not leave country - Ambassador

German Ambassador Holger Seubert said that when German investors decide to do business with Sri Lanka it is a lifetime commitment. He added that German investors doing business in Sri Lanka will not leave.

 The German ambassador emphasized that German technology and novel international benchmarks of human capital development will continue improving the Sri Lankan workers in industry.

He was speaking at the annul business forum of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka and the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK) in Colombo.

The world’s number one in entrepreneurship, Germany celebrated its 70 years of diplomatic relationship with Sri Lanka this year and with BOI almost four decades of doing business have seen confirmed strength of relations.

Chief Delegate of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka. Marie Antoina von Schönburg moderated the business forum and discussed industries’ concerns emphasizing the importanceof the continuation of the annual meeting and acknowledging the support and facilitation of the BOI to make this forum a success.

BOI Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody said the German investor fraternity has been lifelong partners in doing business in Sri Lanka and they proudly claim the status of “first movers “of Sri Lankan FDI heritage. Accordingly, German investments are diverse in nature. As in numerous sectors including apparel, automotive, electronic products, light and heavy engineering, rubber-based products, gems and jewellery, tourism, and recreational projects.

BOI Director General Renuka Weerakone and senior officials participated.

During the meeting diverse sector issues were discussed regarding business sustainability, continuation in respect of doing business in Sri Lanka, and more emphasis on Tax policy on exports of the BOI companies.HR issues such as recruiting blue-collar and white-collar workers with the recent mass migration trend. A continuation of the re-investment strategy, energy cost of manufacturing, and passenger pier for cruise liners was also discussed.