Gulf Corporation Countries (GCC) have now literally opened their borders to entrepreneurs inviting them to set up businesses in the Gulf with projection for future expansion. Visa on arrival was one such border opening innovation presently adopted to ensure influx of business and also to stretch that concept more to envelop greater participation.

Ananda Rajapakse, an innovative Biz savvy personality, has now projected that concept to minimize the all pervading misconception that business with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains complicated and fraught with that perennial bug bear called ‘reams and reams of red tape’.

"Not so", he assured. Needless to say, those barriers which purportedly existed (in the individual mind set was this pre-conceived notion that the UAE did not have that friendly demeanour to set up and encourage outsiders) were necessarily wrong.

Rajapakse, former CEO Orange Electric, has set up an Export Consultancy Company, called Ozbiz Export Aid to assist Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to be innovative and internationally competitive.

Given that geographical location of Sri Lanka was ideally situated in the Indian Ocean and an effective jump-off point within international air passage, it was of economic importance that this aspect be conceptualized as a huge plus rather than constantly project negativity.

"It was correct that aspect was touted rather than look at possibilities that could be explored", he noted.

Rajapakse was confident the prevailing international financial crunch would not affect Gulf countries because of their sound insight and far-sighted business organization. Other aspects that need cognizance for promotional innovation was the Sharia Law and its unique observance in the Gulf, that could insulate itself against outside debacle as has happened globally.

Main expertise of Ozbiz Export Aid FZC, was in the area of assisting entrepreneurs form 100% ownership companies in the Middle East. "Not difficult at all considering the fact that they become decision makers in the UAE, in administering their businesses", he said.

Sri Lankan businessmen can obtain three-year renewable UAE resident visas and employment visas including three year resident visas for working staff as well, he assured. "They can also enjoy attractive tax exemptions".

Visa for entry to one Gulf State country would mean automatic entry to most other Gulf Countries. Much like the Shengan country visa for entry to any of those European countries.

‘My experience is that business people in Sri Lanka are not quite prepared to effect innovative modalities to sustain their interest. I would say, we need to work harder. Many want to export but they do not have the export mentality".

Ozbiz can offer a comprehensive package to by-pass road blocks that usually stultifies growth.