The end of insurgency has been a boon for the Sri Lankan economy as the island nation ushers in a new era of investments aimed at consolidating its reputation as a regional hub.
The end of the war in 2009 meant countless new opportunities for the Indian Ocean island nation and previously unexplored streams of business are opening up further.
The country has succeeded in establishing itself as a priority destination when it comes to investments and trading since the end of the Civil war in May 2009, paving the way for political, economic and social stability.
With the Sri Lankan government taking an aggressive stance with trade delegations, individual B2B businesses, and participation in trade fairs, and President Mahinda Rajapaksa himself making visits to other countries in search of trade partnerships, this is considered a true ushering in of a new era of unprecedented prosperity.
The flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the island state has gone up with many global corporate giants exploring the Lankan market for new ventures.
The credit for the surge goes to the Board of Investment (BOI), a government sanctioned body set up for the sole purpose of incremental investments.
Structured to function as a central facilitation point for investors for over 33 years, the BOI with its mandate encompassing the entire island has ensured this objective was met with a steady pace as the investment board, with clear set goals of increasing foreign investments and parallel economic growth, functions with the highest service levels ensuring flow of FDI.
Moreover, a high-powered cabinet sub-committee of inter-ministerial leadership has been constituted to serve as facilitator for investor’s assistance, which further strengthen the BOI, clear all bottlenecks and ensure speedy clearance of investment approvals so that investors can implement projects in a hassle-free atmosphere.
The BOI companies today employ about 500,000 workers and 65 percent of the companies represent Sri Lankan exports and, to be specific, nearly 90 percent of the country’s industrial exports.
The BOI, is therefore, a significant agent of change in the Sri Lankan economy with more than three decades of its existence.
It has radically transformed the island nation economically as well as socially, placing the country in a position where it can compete in an increasingly globalized world.
Sri Lankan economic experts believe that the most significant aspect of working with the BOI is that, when you sign an agreement with the board, the provisions embodied in the agreement remains valid for the life of the enterprise.
Successive governments cannot change these provisions, ensuring a degree of stability that few other countries can offer or match. Further, a contract with the BOI means concessions on taxes and duties, which are appropriated according to the level of investment.
Moreover, the BOI has established a series of Free Trade Zones (FTZs) and trade parks at strategic locations, which provide business owners the most conducive atmosphere for manufacturing purposes.
The island state has found traction in terms of investment flow from June 2009, with new opportunities in sectors such as water purification and supply, mini hydro power, mining, properties, the famed Sri Lankan teas (better known as Ceylon Tea), eco tourism, rubber, agriculture, gems and industrial raw materials.
Foreign investment has flowed more freely into the private sector.
The country enjoys a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with both India and Pakistan, which provides distinct business opportunities. Investors can have the best of both worlds with, for example, access to India’s market and products and Sri Lanka’s advantageous location as a base.
Due to these reasons, the country has a reputation of being a strategic access point for other crucial markets as well.
The country’s environment also is a perfect fit for specialized industries such as electronics, light engineering, computer software with many new investors in these segments signing up with the BOI.
An often underrated investment opportunity is the agricultural prospects in Sri Lanka. The tropical climate and the renewed opportunities in foliage, cut flowers and exotic fruits and vegetables with an export-oriented market is paving the way for an influx of like minded investors into the country.
Specifically, the climate in the mountainous central district is deemed ideal for agricultural ventures.
The major factor that captures any investor’s eye is the phenomenal growth of stock market in the last five years as the market capitalization of the Colombo stock market improved from $5 billion to $20 billion.
The market capitalization and liquidity is expected to grow further in coming years with new listings and other forms of financing by existing listed entities.
With the expansion, integration and access of the northern areas, economic growth is expected to be at the range of 5 to 7 percent.
Interestingly, US Investment legend Jim Rogers has rated Sri Lanka and China with better investment opportunities than other countries in the region.
With security and stability assuring investors, the market has been on an all time high with returns far exceeding expectations.
The past year has seen a prolific increase in trade related visits by countries such as Belgium, the US, Iran and China.
China being a major partner, has stakes in developments of crucial areas such as power and energy (the Norichcholai Coal power plant is being commissioned by a prominent Chinese company).
Another sector experiencing a boom is the hotel and leisure industries, the recent signing of the Movenpick group to construct a star class hotel within the city is just one of many projects in the pipeline.
Catching onto the growing trend of eco-tourism, many groups are looking to initiate such tourism projects in the green zones.
The Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana and Heritance, Kandalama are two prime examples of successful star class hotels with every amenity and an eco-focused theme.
With tourist arrivals sky rocketing, this segment is proving to be a major money spinner.
Therefore, the country holds more space in one’s mind as the pearl of the Indian ocean (enchanting travelers from the time of Ibn Batuta) for its scenic beauty.
What truly sets apart Sri Lanka from other investment destinations is the efficiency and the smooth, streamlined processes that go with starting up a business in the country, and the lion’s share for this credo goes to the BOI that assists investors from the first boardroom discussion to the construction site.
Sri Lanka being ranked as one of the fastest growing trading hubs and an economy with the most liberal policies, investors to the country are provided with preferential tax rates, constitutional guarantees on investment agreements, exemptions from exchange control and 100 percent repatriation of profits and total foreign ownership available in most of the sectors.
With more concessions and specific benefits planned for foreign investors, the nation gears itself for another year with even greater growth in all key indicators.
So far as the manpower found on the island is concerned, the primary indicators are stronger than ever before. The literacy rate in the country is one of the highest in the world at 91.2 percent and most of the skilled labor have an apprenticeship or technical knowledge at the diploma level.
Ethical practices, which aim for the triple bottom line and ensuring the balance between employer and employee benefits, are maintained and form the foundation for a longstanding work force which rarely shifts organizations.
The government and subsidiary bodies conduct and encourage continuous training programs at specific industries aimed at sharpening the work force knowledge and vocational training.
Since the end of the civil war in May 2009 and prevalence of political and social stability, the country has bought itself onto the discussions of many global corporate giants across the world.
The country is one of the leading hubs for garment manufacturing.
Its companies have long-standing manufacturing contracts with brands like GAP and Victoria’s Secret.
When it comes to the FDI, BOI statistics show that Malaysian companies invested $150 million in the country in 2008-2009, making the country the biggest foreign direct investor in Sri Lanka during the fiscal year. India ranked second with $126 million as Bharti Airtel Ltd., the nation’s largest mobile-phone company, started operations in Sri Lanka. China was placed ninth with $27 million of investments.
With the current governments’ prudent investor friendly strategy, these figures are expected to soar in the future.
The end of the war also meant the channeling of the funds toward internal development such as highways and rebuilding or improving townships which in turn meant improved logistics and transportation capabilities.
Private sector prospers from free flow of FDI
Private sector prospers from free flow of FDI
NEOM board of directors announces leadership change
- Head of Public Investment Fund’s Local Real Estate Division since 2018, Al-Mudaifer has a deep and strategic understanding of NEOM and its projects
NEOM: The NEOM Board of Directors on Tuesday announced the appointment of Aiman Al-Mudaifer as acting CEO of the company. Al-Mudaifer assumes leadership of NEOM, following Nadhmi Al-Nasr’s departure.
As NEOM enters a new phase of delivery, this new leadership will ensure operational continuity, agility and efficiency to match the overall vision and objectives of the project.
Al-Mudaifer takes the helm of the organization with the support of a strong leadership team across NEOM’s regions, sectors and departments.
Head of Public Investment Fund’s Local Real Estate Division since 2018, Al-Mudaifer has a deep and strategic understanding of NEOM and its projects.
In his role at PIF, Al-Mudaifer oversees all local real estate investments and infrastructure projects. He is also a board member of multiple prominent companies within the Kingdom.
NEOM is a fundamental pillar of Saudi Vision 2030 and progress continues on all operations as planned, as we deliver the next phase of our vast portfolio of projects including THE LINE, Oxagon, Trojena, Magna and The Islands of NEOM.
Through these projects, NEOM seeks to achieve harmony between livability, business and nature, and to create a better future for current and future generations.
Maldives, Bulgaria push for greater climate action, financing
RIYADH: Insufficient financing continues to be a significant barrier preventing many countries, especially underdeveloped nations, from meeting their climate goals, according to the President of the Maldives.
Speaking on the second day of COP29, held in Azerbaijan from Nov. 11-22, Mohamed Muizzu emphasized that small island developing states require trillions, not billions, of dollars in climate finance.
“It is the lack of finance that inhibits our ambitions, which is why this COP, the finance COP, we need to deliver the new climate finance goal. This must reflect the true scale of the climate crisis. The need is in trillions, not billions,” Muizzu said.
He added, “It must consider the special circumstances of small island developing states — it must include adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage.”
Muizzu also reiterated the importance of the environment for his country, stating: “You have called for stronger climate action. Our call has not changed. Our cause has not strayed because, for us, the environment and the ocean are more than resources. They are our cultural identity.”
In a similar vein, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev addressed the global impact of climate-related disasters, emphasizing that no region is immune to the deadly and costly consequences of climate change.
“Bulgaria is committed not only to being part of regional and energy cooperation initiatives across Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Black Sea region but also beyond, by strengthening the links between the European Union and non-EU countries who share our priorities on climate neutrality, just energy transition, energy security, and low-carbon technological innovation,” Radev said.
He further called for broader action, stating, “All parties should undertake greater efforts to integrate climate change adaptation and resilience into all policies and strategies.”
Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to 12,048
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index fell on Tuesday, losing 58.74 points to close at 12,047.67.
The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR5.75 billion ($1.53 billion), with 70 stocks advancing and 152 declining.
Saudi Arabia’s parallel market saw a drop, losing 50.59 points to close at 29,110.41. The MSCI Tadawul Index also declined, shedding 5.06 points to end at 1,516.14.
The best-performing stock on the main market was Al Jouf Cement Co., with a 4.75 percent increase to SR10.58. Other top gainers included Malath Cooperative Insurance Co. and Elm Co., with shares rising by 4.40 percent to SR15.66 and 3.87 percent to SR1,101.1, respectively.
The worst performer on the main index was Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Co., whose share price dropped by 4.42 percent to SR12.12.
National Environmental Recycling Co., also known as Tadweer, announced it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Re Sustainability Middle East Co. to explore the potential for establishing smelters and recycling units in the Kingdom. According to a statement on Tadawul, the deal is valid for one year and carries no immediate financial impact.
The company’s share price declined by 0.45 percent to SR13.4.
Purity for Information Technology Co. announced it has secured a contract valued at SR10.7 million from Saudi Comprehensive Technical and Security Control Co. to supply technology equipment. The company stated that the financial impact of the contract will be reflected in the first quarter of next year.
Its share price dropped by 0.73 percent to SR8.33.
Red Sea International Co. reported a narrowed net loss of SR2.18 million for the first nine months of this year, compared to a SR54.7 million loss in the same period in 2023. According to a statement on Tadawul, the improvement was driven by a 515.78 percent year-on-year increase in sales revenue. However, Red Sea International’s share price declined by 4.05 percent to SR71.
Lazurde Co. for Jewelry reported a 42.98 percent decline in net profit for the first nine months, totaling SR24.8 million, compared to the same period last year. The company attributed this drop to a 6.61 percent year-on-year decrease in operating profit over the nine-month period. Lazurde’s share price dropped by 2.05 percent to SR13.36.
UN climate chief urges aggressive action as emissions hit GDP
- UN official warned that worsening climate impacts will ‘put inflation on steroids’ unless every country takes bolder climate action
- Simon Stiell called on governments to leave COP29 with a clear global climate finance plan
RIYADH: The global climate crisis is rapidly evolving into an economic threat, with the impact of emissions reducing the gross domestic product of several countries by up to 5 percent, a UN official said.
Speaking at the high-level segment for heads of state and government at the COP29 in Baku, Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, emphasized the urgent need for more aggressive climate actions to address economic challenges, including rising inflation.
“We used to talk about climate action as being mostly about saving future generations. But there has been a seismic shift in the global climate crisis, as the climate crisis is fast becoming an economy killer,” said Stiell.
He added, “In this political cycle, climate impacts are curving up to 5 percent off GDP in many countries. The climate crisis is a cost-of-living crisis, as climate disasters are driving up costs for households and businesses.”
Stiell’s comments came shortly after a report by finance consultancy Oxera, which revealed that climate-related extreme weather events have cost the global economy more than $2 trillion over the past decade, with the US being the most affected.
The UN official warned that worsening climate impacts will “put inflation on steroids” unless every country takes bolder climate action.
Stiell urged the world to learn from the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the economic suffering caused by slow and ineffective collective action on supply chain issues.
Describing climate finance as “global inflation insurance,” he warned that failing to address the economic toll of climate change would lead to disaster.
“Letting this issue languish halfway down cabinet agendas is a recipe for disaster,” he said.
However, Stiell remained optimistic, asserting that effective climate action could save economies and create new economic opportunities. He pointed to the growth of renewable energy as a potential driver of stronger financial states for nations.
“This isn’t just about saving your economies and people,” he said. “Bolder climate action can drive economic opportunity. Cheap, clean energy can be the bedrock of your economies. It means more jobs, growth, less pollution choking cities, healthier citizens, and stronger businesses.”
Stiell called on governments to leave COP29 with a clear global climate finance plan and urged international cooperation as the key to combating global warming and ensuring humanity’s survival.
“We need your direct engagement on new national climate targets and plans — NDCs — so that all of you can benefit from the boom in clean energy and climate resilience,” said Stiell.
He added: “These are not easy times, but despair is not a strategy, nor is it warranted. Our process is strong, and it will endure. After all, international cooperation is the only way humanity can survive global warming.”
OPEC revises down global oil demand growth forecasts for 2024, 2025
- OPEC revised its 2024 global oil demand growth estimate to 1.82 million barrels per day, down from 1.93 million bpd forecast last month
LONDON: The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has again downgraded its global oil demand growth projections for both 2024 and 2025, marking the fourth consecutive reduction.
The revision, announced on Tuesday, underscores weaker demand expectations for key regions such as China, India, and other parts of the world.
The updated forecast highlights the ongoing challenges faced by OPEC+, the broader alliance that includes OPEC members and partners like Russia. Earlier this month, OPEC+ delayed plans to increase oil output starting in December, citing concerns over falling oil prices.
In its latest monthly report, OPEC revised its 2024 global oil demand growth estimate to 1.82 million barrels per day, down from 1.93 million bpd forecast last month. This marks the first revision to the outlook since it was initially set in July 2023.
China was the primary driver of the downward revision. OPEC reduced its forecast for Chinese oil demand growth to 450,000 bpd, down from 580,000 bpd, noting that diesel consumption in September dropped year on year for the seventh consecutive month. OPEC attributed this decline to a slowdown in construction and weak manufacturing activity, as well as the rising use of LNG-fueled trucks in China.
The weaker outlook weighed on oil prices, with Brent crude trading below $73 per barrel following the release of the report.
The demand outlook for 2024 remains uncertain, with significant differences among forecasters regarding the strength of global demand growth, particularly concerning China’s recovery and the pace at which the world transitions to cleaner fuels.
In addition to the 2024 revision, OPEC also lowered its forecast for global oil demand growth in 2025 to 1.54 million bpd, down from the previous estimate of 1.64 million bpd.
