Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen said that the private sector will be accorded a major role in the new government’s planned industry and commerce reforms.
He said that he looks forward to an increased role and support of the Lankan business, exports and investment communities in the next stage of industry and commerce development
The Minister made these comments after assuming duties on yesterday as the Minister of Industry and Commerce for a third time.
Minister Bathiudeen said that as we enter a new era of social unity, Sri Lankans of all hues are rallying round the joint and consensual efforts of both leaders of the country.
He said that with the formation of the consensual government of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, we are witnessing meaningful democracy in action in Sri Lanka.
He said that there are no more serious threats to the people’s civil liberties as it were and thanked both the President and the Prime Minister for their “courageous leadership in the January 8 revolution”.
The Minister said that as a new entrant to the lower middle income ranks Sri Lanka’s next stage of economic development as envisioned by the new government is based on the social market economic model.
He said that under the social market economic model the government’s vision is to develop the economy through an ambitious five pillar concept and exports development. Exports and manufacturing are expected to play the lead role in the country’s rise within the middle income ranks, he said.
Speaking further, the Minister said that the country want to enlist the private sector more and more, and urged the whole hearted support of the business, exports and investment communities in the country’s next stage of industry and commerce development.
