The Sri Lankan Minister of Agriculture Duminda Dissanayke 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 a better cooperation to increase bilateral trade in agricultural products and support the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka. In detail, they discussed 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, 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 Asia - Pacific Business Association (OAV) would cooperate with Sri Lanka for further strengthening existing trade and economic relations. Both Ministers confirmed that the supply of healthy food for all people is of utmost importance and agreed to activate 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 was in Berlin on invitation of the Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture to participate in the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture 2016, a summit attended by 65 Ministers of Agriculture as well as NGO-representatives from all around the world, which took place in Berlin on 16th January. At the sidelines of the summit, the Minister held bilateral discussion with his counterparts from Argentine and other countries as well as the German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Dr. Gerd Müller, and senior officials of both Ministries for 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 find out about opportunities to increase investment in agriculture in Sri Lanka and forge alliances for increased cooperation. He 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. The discussions especially focused on opportunities for projects for the improvement of the potato cultivation in Sri Lanka.
Minister Dissanayake showed himself satisfied with the outcome of his talks with Federal Minister Schmidt and other parties during his visit. “We managed to explore highly interesting new avenues for cooperation in the agricultural sector between Sri Lanka and Germany,” he said.
The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Germany Karunatilaka Amunugama, Deputy Chief of Mission Chaminda Colonne and Advisor to the Minister Dr. Geri Jayawardana accompanied the Minister Dissanayake for discussions.
