The BOI conducted a presentation highlighting the opportunities Sri Lanka offers to investors, to a 40-member delegation from Turkey, which was headed by the Deputy Speaker of the Turkish parliament, Nevzat Padkil. The group comprised of parliamentarians, leading businessmen, and educationists.

Navin Dissanayake, Minister of Investment Promotion welcomed the delegation and made a strong case for Turkish investment in Sri Lanka.

He expressed the view that since Sri Lanka had an economic growth of 6.8%, despite the effects of the war, A return to peace would mean that the Sri Lankan economy was likely to take off once terrorism is eradicated. A strong point in favour of Sri Lanka was a business culture that was based on that of the West. Another was the interest expressed by leading Indian enterprises to invest in Sri Lanka.

The State Visit to Turkey of President Mahinda Rajapaksa had strengthened ties between the two countries. Relations between the two countries have been enhanced by this important visit where the heads of state of both countries met.

The leader of the Turkish delegation and Deputy Speaker of Turkey’s Parliament Nevzat Pakdil added that both Turkey and SL must know that they descend from strong cultures. "We have a lot to tell to the other countries of the world we live in peace, harmony and love. Turkey has friends all over the world and is ready to share this with countries like Sri Lanka.

Erdogan Ercan – Chairman of Turkey Business Association said ‘SL and Turkey have the chance to work together. Precious stones can be marketed through trade. Turkey currently imports U$ 100Million worth of goods from Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka imports U$ 35 Million from Turkey".

This was followed by a comprehensive presentation on Sri Lanka‘s potential for investment, which highlighted the country’s natural and human resources, her position as a business hub, and the incentives offered to investors by the BOI. The presentation focused on Sri Lanka liberal economy and the international Free Trade Agreements she enjoys with India, with Pakistan and the European Union (GSP+).