EU member countries were keen on the effective use of digital signature and promotion of a paperless concept, to reduce red tape, delay and duplication of work.
This was highlighted at the 6th EU-SL Investor Dialogue was held last week at the Ministry of Development Strategies & International Trade. It was reported that by now the Department of Customs, banks and the Ministry of Finance have adopted the digital signature. The issues in questions included the need for a transparent tender procedures and possibility to build up a Central Portal where planned project could be listed. The Cabinet has approved Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) in the Public Procurement System and now it is necessary to establish the system required for implementation.
Several matters specific to Sri Lankan companies as well as companies of EU member countries were discussed to find out solutions for such issues. Levying of charges on Sri Lankan importers and exporters for local charges were also discussed and the Dialogue was a good platform to discuss certain local safety/health regulations imposed for food products with the participation of the relevant regulatory agencies.
The 6thEU-SL Investor Dialogue was co-chaired by Minister of Development Strategies & International Trade Malik Samarawickrama and Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka, Tun Lai Margue.
The meeting was held with the Embassy of the European Union, the embassies of the member states of the EU and Board of Investment of Sri Lanka to address various outstanding matters relating to investment in Sri Lanka and EU both.
The participants from the European missions represented of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, the United Kingdom and senior officials from the European Union missions based in Colombo and New Delhi and representatives of the European Chamber of Commerce.
Several leading government agencies participated at the meeting to contribute to the Dialogue in relation to the specific areas under their jurisdiction in the discussion and several Sri Lankan state institutions too participated.
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