The first investment within the Colombo Port City will commence with the USD 1 billion Colombo International Finance Centre (CIFC) Mixed Development Project, the Prime Minister’s Office said. The agreement for the CIFC between Browns Investments, the strategic investment arm of the LOLC Group, and China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) was signed this morning in the presence of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Ambassador of China to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong. The project comprises a total land area of 6.8 hectares, implemented under two phases. The first phase of the CIFC Mixed Development Project, with an investment of US$ 450 million and comprising a land area of 3.06 hectares, will consist of the incorporation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) company, jointly managed by Browns Investment and CHEC. Prime Minister Rajapaksa said attracting foreign direct investment is a key priority for the Government, and the new project is a strong indicator that Sri Lanka is now back in business. “We invite investors from around the world to explore the multitude of investment opportunities that Sri Lanka presents with its strategic location and human resource capabilities,” he said. Ambassador Zhenhong said, “At this crucial moment, China once again demonstrates its confidence in Sri Lanka and commitment to help Sri Lanka's economic and social development. “It’s well believed that the International Financial Centre Project will not only effectively boost the vigorous growth of Sri Lanka's finance and other industries, but also create more high-quality job opportunities, benefiting the general public and society,” he said.