Romania and Sri Lanka explore economic cooperation and labor opportunities

Chambers of Commerce from Timiș and Arad organized a business meeting in Timișoara to develop economic relations between Romania and Sri Lanka. The event focused on identifying new cooperation opportunities, expanding trade, and addressing labor shortages in western Romania.

Key participants included Sri Lankan Ambassador Samantha Pathirana and Arun Hemachandra, Sri Lanka's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment. Discussions centered on bilateral trade development and facilitating partnerships between companies from both nations.

Florica Chirita, President of the Timiș Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, noted that while the unemployment rate is approximately 1%, labor shortages remain a significant issue for local employers. Currently, about 900 Sri Lankan citizens work in Timiș County, contributing to a national total of approximately 25,000 Sri Lankan workers in Romania, primarily in the construction and HoReCa sectors.