The Chinese New Ambassador His Excellency Wu Jianghao paid a courtesy call to Hon. Basil Rohana Rajapaksa, Senior Adviser to the President and Minister of Economic Development in order to discuss the economic and trade cooperation between China and Sri Lanka on Jun 29  at the Ministry of Economic Development.

At the outset of the discussion, Hon. Basil Rohana Rajapaksa welcomed the new ambassador and thanked the Chinese government and the people for the generous support it extended to the country throughout the difficult and good periods  during the longstanding friendship between the two countries. China was standing with Sri Lanka during the conflict time as well as the peace time. China was a true friend of Sri Lanka. She didn`t want to act as a monitor but always worked as a partner and didn`t interfere in the countries affairs. China didn`t bring unnecessary pressure on Sri Lanka but always stood for Sri Lanka at international arena he said.

Immediately after the end of terrorism China helped Sri Lanka to initiate new big development projects. That was the first move for post conflict economic development. The BMICH, Supreme Court Complex and Nelumpokuna Performing Art Complex Stand as monuments of the friendship between the two countries. China was involved with many development projects in Sri Lanka with her own funds extended to Sri Lanka as development assistance but some projects were offered to China as a result of international bidding he said.

New Chinese ambassador Wu Jianghao said china will never forget the help extended by Sri Lanka at some critical occasions. Relationship between the two countries started 1600 years ago and it strengthened since then day by day. Sri Lanka signed Rubber, Rice Fact when other countries had stopped selling rubber to China.

Hon. Minister and HE the ambassador reviewed the present status of the trade and economic relation. The ambassador suggested that a comprehensive  plan on economic cooperation between the two countries should be prepared to be signed by the leaders of the two countries. He said many Chinese investors are interested in investing in Sri Lanka and establishing trade and commercial ventures.

Minister and ambassador agreed to have Sri Lankan days in Beijin, Shanghai and Canton in order to carry out on awareness drive on tourism, investment and commodities such as tea and spices. Pharmaceutical, apparel and textile industry, tourism, real state development and food security systems for other countries are the some of the fields identified for the Chinese investment at the discussion.

Ambassador Jianghao invited the Hon Basil Rohana Rajapksa to visit China with a trade and economic delegation. He will arrange a visit by Chinese investors and traders to Sri Lanka since many Chinese entrepreneurs express their interest on Sri Lanka frequently.