Sri Lanka Minister of Agriculture Duminda Dissanayake had fruitful discussions with his German counterpart, Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture Christian Schmidt when both met at the Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture in Berlin on 20th January 2016. Both Ministers agreed on the need for better cooperation to increase bilateral trade in agricultural products and support the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka. The two Ministers had discussions on the transfer of German expertise and know-how in developing potato seed production system in Sri Lanka, assistance in development of farm machinery for small farm holders, the establishment of paddy, vegetable and fruits, seed processing facilities and storage and processing of fruits, vegetables, spices and grains for export.
Federal Minister Schmidt recognized Sri Lanka as an important partner for Germany in the Indian Continent and stated that the Asia - Pacific Business Association(OAV) would cooperate with Sri Lanka to further strengthen existing trade and economic relations. Both Ministers underscored that the supply of healthy food for all people is of utmost importance and agreed to initiate contacts for speedy bilateral cooperation under specific topics discussed. Minister Dissanayake also extended an invitation for Federal Minister Schmidt to visit Sri Lanka at a mutually agreed period.
Minister Dissanayake visited Berlin on the invitation of the Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture to participate in the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture 2016 that was held on 16th January 2016. The Global Forum, was attended by 65 Ministers of Agriculture, as well as NGO-representatives from all around the world. At the sidelines of the meeting, the Minister had bilateral discussions with his counterparts from Argentina and other countries, as well as the German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Dr. Gerd Müller, and senior officials of both Ministries had bilateral meetings to discuss matters of cooperation and trade. He also met representatives from international and German agricultural think tanks and private companies, in the agricultural sector to explore opportunities to increase investment in agriculture in Sri Lanka and forge alliances for increased cooperation. The Minister had extensive discussions with Dr. Franz-Georg von Busse, representative of the German Agri-Business Alliance, an umbrella organization of the German agricultural sector, and other members of the German agricultural sector for increased cooperation in various fields. There was particular focus in discussions on opportunities for projects for the improvement of the potato cultivation in Sri Lanka.
Minister Dissanayake following the conclusion of his talks with Federal Minister Schmidt and other parties at the end of his visit, noted that “We managed to explore highly interesting and new avenues for cooperation in the agricultural sector between Sri Lanka and Germany”.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Germany Karunatilaka Amunugama, Deputy Chief of Mission Chaminda Colonne and Advisor to the Minister Dr. Geri Jayawardana accompanied Minister Dissanayake for discussions.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Berlin
28 January 2016
