The Board of Investment (BOI), the apex organization driving investments into the country, introduced a new strategic initiative under the banner ‘Partnership Finder’ to lure investment from existing investors in the country and facilitate business partnerships with foreign and Sri Lankan companies/investors.
The interactive platform provides the BOI registered investors and other prospective investors opportunities to connect with new entrepreneurs and innovators.
“Given the global context in terms of attracting investment, the BOI’s take is that it needs to embrace an aggressive and competitive approach to show the world that the BOI is functioning on par with the global standards.
“As such, the BOI hopes to explore the possibilities of linking companies/individuals with similar business interests through this platform, in order to promote joint ventures and collaborations for further business development,” said BOI Director General Renuka M. Weerakoon.
The platform will operate as a network for both foreign and local companies and is designed to help businesses, research institutes, and startups to succeed by finding the right partners for their next innovation or business venture.
The database will consist of the companies’ details according to the business categories such as agriculture, apparel, infrastructure, knowledge services, manufacturing, services, tourism & leisure and utilities.
Besides, the launch of the business matchmaking platform will be accompanied by a communication campaign and once implemented, the companies registered on this platform get the opportunity to directly connect with the other Company/Investor using the contact information on their profiles.
Sri Lanka is aiming to attract well over $1 billion in foreign direct investment this year, an official said on Friday, as the country wrestles with its worst financial crisis since independence in 1948.
These include proposals by Marubeni Corp and India’s Adani Group to set up renewable energy plants on the island, Renuka Weerakoon, director-general of the Board of Investment (BoI)said.
Marubeni has put forward a proposal to set up an 800 megawatt (MW) solar and wind plant while the Adani Group has already completed feasibility studies on a similar 500 MW project that it hopes to wrap up in 18-24 months, she said. Two Chinese companies are also eyeing similar projects.
The Sri Lankan government has revamped legislation governing the energy sector, Weerakoon said,adding that it would allow large-scale projects to be implemented more smoothly.
