Rameez Raja, Pakistan cricket star invests in Sri Lanka under BOI

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka granted investment approval to Agro Farm Lanka (Private) Limited. Board Members Mr. Channa Palansuriya and Mr. Upali Samaraweera signed the agreement on behalf of the BOI and formally presented the BOI Certificate of Registration to the Mr. Rameez Raja.

Mr. Rameez Raja, a prominent former international Pakistani cricketer who is now an internationally known commentator has signed up an investment agreement with the BOI. Rameez Raja was an opening batsman, and is a former Captain of the Pakistani team.

The investment agreement signed with Agro Farm Lanka is for a project to cultivate fruits and vegetables for the local market. The project is with an initial investment of Rs. 18 million which is expected to accelerate in the later stages. The cultivation would be located within an 18 acre land in Anamaduwa.

Mr. Raja also have experience in the relevent field, coming from an agriculture background in Pakistan. He expects to expand operations to grow Betel Leaf, which will have high potential as an export item to Pakistan. He said that he has been attracted to the idea of Self Sufficiency in vegetable Cultiuation.

Mr. Raja stated that he personally has strong connections with Sri Lanka. He first toured Sri Lanka in 1978 with the Pakistan under-19 team. He pointed out that he has visited Sri Lanka several times and said that “Sri Lanka is an excellent destination and is full of friendly people”. “Sri Lanka also has a good relationship with Pakistan” he added.

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has been operational from June 2005. Under the Free Trade Agreement, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have agreed to offer preferential market access to each others’ exports by way of granting tariff concessions.

Mr. Raja also commended the BOI “on the excellent service and the whole process just took four weeks”. He mentioned that he received a lot of support from Mr. Roshan Abeysinghe and Mr. Ranjith Fernando, both Sri Lankan cricket commentators to get this venture underway.

Mr. Rameez Raja signed the agreement on behalf of the company. Ms. Attiya Ambreen Ramiz and Mr. Roshan Abeysinghe was also present at the occasion.

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