By NNN-Govt Portal,
Colombo : Middle Eastern countries are exploring the possibility of investing in Sri Lanka especially in infrastructure development projects, including highways, airports, hotels and shopping complexes, Kuwaiti Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Fahad Almetairi said.
Mr. Almetairi saod that Kuwait and the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are interested in implementing several mega developments in the island.
The GCC, formed in 1981, comprises Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates.
Mr Almetairi said negotiations on an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) with Sri Lanka are under way.
He also noted that the Government of Kuwait has extended and accelerated the process of issuing visas for Sri Lankans intending to be employed in Kuwait. Accordingly the Embassy has increased the “One-Day Visa Service” to issue 300 visas per day. Earlier only 50 visas were issued per day.
At present Saudi Arabia employes the highest number of Sri Lankan migrant workers among the gulf states, followed by Kuwait.