Deputy Crown Prince Muqrin and Sri Lanka’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Mohammed Hussein Mohamed, held a meeting in Jeddah on Monday to promote investment and tourism between the Kingdom and the island nation.
Mohamed told Arab News that the talks, which were cordial, addressed issues of bilateral interest. He said that the deputy crown prince was confident that Saudi businessmen could invest in countries like Sri Lanka if they were offered attractive incentives.
He planned to launch a drive to attract Saudi investors to open up joint ventures in Sri Lanka. The envoy was confident that investments in his country would generate substantial returns for Saudi businessmen.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into Sri Lanka totaled $817 million in the first half of this year, 51 percent more than the inflow during the same period a year ago.
Sri Lanka has set a $2 billion FDI goal this year, though it has failed to meet that target for two years in a row.
Colombo drew a record $1.42 billion in 2013, 6 percent more than the $1.34 billion attracted in 2012, central bank data showed.
Sri Lanka’s ambitions for more FDI were hampered by inconsistent investment policies, investors’ complaints of corruption and lack of good governance, as well as the government’s failure to address human rights violations in line with UN resolutions.
However, Sri Lanka still attracted FDI, mainly to its tourism industry due to optimism following the end of a 26-year civil war in May 2009.
Hussein Mohamed said that a good number of Saudi tourists visit the island frequently for holidays. “We hope to improve this segment since the country is an ideal destination for family holidays,” he said, adding that Saudi families will enjoy complete privacy and safety in all places of tourist interest.
The envoy said that he had extended an invitation to Prince Muqrin to visit Sri Lanka so that he could see for himself how peace has been restored following the defeat of terrorism by the government.
The ambassador also thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for various forms assistance to the country from time to time.
Hussein Mohamed is slated to present his credentials to King Abdullah in Jeddah on Thursday.
Saudi-Lanka talks focus on investment, tourism
Saudi-Lanka talks focus on investment, tourism
18,000 personnel mobilized in Makkah, Madinah as itikaf begins
- Worshipers who completed registration and obtained permits have started performing the ritual of itikaf at the Prophet’s Mosque
- General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has provided a range of services
JEDDAH: More than 18,000 personnel and nearly 6,000 vehicles and pieces of equipment have been deployed across Makkah and Madinah as authorities intensify preparations for the final 10 days of Ramadan, while worshipers began observing itikaf at the Prophet’s Mosque.
Worshipers who completed registration and obtained permits have started performing the ritual of itikaf at the Prophet’s Mosque, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has provided a range of services, including guidance, organization, healthcare, translation, hospitality and essential supplies to ensure a comfortable and spiritually enriching experience.
Field teams have also been deployed to manage entry and exit points, and oversee service delivery so worshippers can dedicate themselves fully to prayer and reflection.
Meanwhile, the Madinah Municipality has intensified efforts to provide services to visitors at the Prophet’s Mosque and other major mosques across the city.
More than 5,700 personnel, 1,230 operational vehicles and pieces of equipment have been mobilized to support municipal services during the busy period.
The operational plan focuses on improving facility cleaning and environmental sanitation, strengthening infrastructure services, and intensifying inspections of commercial and food establishments to ensure compliance with health standards and product safety.
Electronic platforms have also been activated to enhance monitoring and speed up responses to municipal service reports.
Authorities are also conducting field campaigns to combat commercial fraud and regulate street vendors as visitor numbers rise in the city.
Through these plans, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has raised municipal readiness to provide services for Umrah performers and visitors, and enable them to perform their rituals in a safe and organized environment.
In Makkah, the municipality has deployed more than 13,000 personnel working round the clock to support cleaning and operational activities in the central area, and around the Grand Mosque.
Five parking areas with a capacity of more than 42,000 vehicles have also been prepared to ease access to the Grand Mosque and reduce congestion.
