Seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering key areas such as investment, the power sector, fisheries, and the economy are set to be signed during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s official four-day visit to China, which begins on Tuesday, a Cabinet Minister revealed yesterday.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told the Sunday Times that, alongside the MoUs, discussions would focus on China’s support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, particularly in alignment with its assistance to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) debt-restructuring programme.
President Dissanayake’s visit to China, scheduled from January 14 to 17, comes at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
During his visit, President Dissanayake will hold bilateral discussions with President Xi Jinping on a range of topics of mutual interest. He will also meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.
According to Minister Herath, the proposed MoUs will extend to sectors such as agriculture, tourism, education, and technology. Sri Lanka plans to seek China’s support in digitalizing the state-run television networks, the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and the Independent Television Network (ITN).
The revival of road development projects funded by China will also feature prominently in the discussions.
The MoU on fisheries will address social welfare issues, including a housing scheme for fishermen. In the agriculture sector, the focus will be on securing technological assistance to boost productivity.
Another MoU will emphasize the development of solar power projects with Chinese assistance, signaling a commitment to expanding renewable energy initiatives.
Talks in the education sector will aim to secure free school uniform materials and implement a smart board project for schools, enhancing digital learning infrastructure.
Minister Herath further revealed that two business forums will be held during the visit. One forum will involve state-owned enterprises, including China Harbour and Sinopec, while the other will include companies from various sectors, such as hospitality.
President Dissanayake is also set to visit techno parks and vehicle assembly plants in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. These visits aim to explore potential investments that could benefit Sri Lanka’s economy.
