MALAYSIA TOP INVESTOR IN SRI LANKA FOR FOUR STRAIGHT YEARS

By P.Vijian


COLOMBO, May 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysia was the largest foreign investor in
Sri Lanka for the fourth consecutive year last year, with leading Malaysian
companies playing a major role in key sectors of the island's economy.

As of last year, there were 18 Malaysian commercial projects in Sri Lanka,
which was valued at RM3.2 billion (US$910 million).

"Malaysia remained the largest foreign investor in Sri Lanka for over four
years consecutively. This is in line with our South-south and Prosper the
Neighbour policy," Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Rosli Ismail told
the media.

Regardless of the three-decade civil war that concluded recently,
Malaysians were keen investors in the telecommunications, manufacturing,
infrastructure, property development and garment sectors.

Bilateral trade has been also increasing -- with Malaysian exports to Sri
Lanka amounting to RM1.4 billion last year versus RM1.3 billion in 2007, while
exports from the island nation to Malaysia was RM124.73 million (RM110.6 million
in 2007).

The two-way trade flowing between economies largely comprise, rubber,
chemical, transport equipment, clothing and processed food.

"Looking at the structure of trade and investment between Malaysia and Sri
Lanka, it seems obvious that the full potential of both countries is yet to be
explored by the business communities of both sides.

"With the defeat of terrorism in Sri Lanka last week, the year 2009 will
bring better opportunities for trade and investment promotion from Sri Lanka to
Malaysia and vice versa," he added.

Rosli was addressing the media ahead of the 5th Sri Lanka-Malaysia Business
Awards 2009 scheduled later this August.

-- BERNAMA