The EU-Sri Lanka Partenariat 2004 kicked off, paving the way for joint ventures, partnerships, marketing cooperation and the transfer of technologies between local and EU companies. rn
rnSpeaking at the opening ceremony of the Partenariat, the Ambassador, Embassy of Ireland, New Delhi, Philip McDonagh, said the EU was solidly behind the governments peace efforts.rn
rnMeanwhile the Minister of Trade Jeyaraj Fernandopulle assured the governments full support towards developing trade ties between the EU common market and Sri Lanka.rn
rnThe 25 country EU represents a quarter of the world economy and a market of 450 million people, with privileged market access to another 400 million people outside the EU.rn
rnThe EU is also Sri Lankas largest trading partner accounting for 28 percent of all exports and 16 percent of imports.rn
rnThe objective of the Partenariat is to stimulate growth among SMEs and participating EU companies have been selected with this in mind.rn
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