India calls for greater collaboration in the construction industry highlighting that a growth of  $ 1 trillion is expected in its market by 2025. These sentiments were expressed by the High Commissioner of India Taranjit Singh at the inauguration of the 8^th Sri Lanka Buildcon International Expo & 7^th Wood International Expo 2019 held in Colombo today. Minister of Megapolis & Western Development, Patali Champika Ranawaka while appreciating  the role of construction sector toward the economy said such exhibitions facilitate greater international collaboration at the industry and people level. "The presence of the number of Sri Lankan companies in the Indian market is commendable ."Singh said.

however he  pointed out that while the demand for new infrastructure should be met quickly and smoothly, there was also a need for demand to be studied first and to be catered to, in environment-friendly ways.

"The large participation of Indian companies in the recent Exhibitions is a reflection of the trust that Indian companies place in the Sri Lankan economy and its people."

The High Commissioner added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s solidarity visit to Sri Lanka sent an important message to the Indian tourists and Industry who are back in big numbers driving all the supply chains in the Sri Lankan economy.

He noted that in the last two months Indian tourists arrivals in Sri Lanka were at its highest, more than double the number of tourists from the second highest source market.

More than 70 Indian companies with a focus on varied products and services related to Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC), Commercial & Residential Building Construction, Government & Civil Infrastructure are participating in the Exhibition which is  supported by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.