|
Full story
| Over 330 Norwegian SMEs mobilized: - MMP, an effective aid mechanism |
| [13.12.2009, 10:20pm, Sun. GMT] |
The Match Making Program (MMP) stands out as an effective aid mechanism. The MMP, a creative and non-conventional development program at times required some defending in certain quarters, said Royal Norwegian Ambassador Tore Hattrem at the book launch “Review of Operations 1994-2009” on MMP recently. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce’s role in making the MMP a success and the efforts in reviewing the program from 1994 should be appreciated, he said. The MMP has mobilized over 330 Norwegian SMEs to conduct commercial operations in 15 years with Sri Lanka. This is a high number, given the size of the Norwegian economy and the challenges Sri Lanka has faced in attracting FDIs due to the protracted war, he said.
|
The future looks bright for Sri Lanka. The end of the conflict has led to renewed enthusiasm among foreign investors leading to higher capital inflows. The capital inflows have helped the Central Bank to rebuild its reserves, lower inflation and reduce its lending rates to strengthen investor confidence in Sri Lanka, he said.
The MMP has achieved its targets. However, only nine out of ten attempted matches result in a viable cooperation and there is still room for improvements on our way ahead. We are about to enter a new phase of the program and a review of past activities is important. Norway believes that the private sector represents a positive force in the Sri Lankan society and we want to support the sector, he said.
Importers have been the target of successive Governments to raise revenue to the State by means of duty and taxes. The Executive Committee lobbies with Governments and the relevant authorities to grant relief to importers, said CCC’s Deputy Secretary General Malcolm Atton.
The imports section consists of over 120 member companies and functions directly as one of the Trade Sections of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
(daily news)
|
| Back |
|
|
|
Special Interest
Advertisements
|
Akershus
