Sri Lanka – Benelux Business Council discusses EU trade expansion

During the 31st Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka – Benelux Business Council (SLBBC), Netherlands Ambassador Wiebe de Boer discussed the potential for the Benelux union to act as a gateway for Sri Lankan exporters to the European market, specifically through the Port of Rotterdam.

Ambassador de Boer confirmed that Sri Lanka’s GSP+ trade access is secured until 2029, with a two-year window to reapply under a new regime. He expressed optimism that Sri Lanka could eventually transition from GSP+ to a full Free Trade Agreement with the EU. However, he noted concerns regarding bureaucratic hurdles, such as delays in quality-control clearances and restrictive foreign investment caps.

SLBBC President Farhath Amith, who was re-elected for the 2026/2027 term, emphasized the need for continued Benelux support to extend GSP+ status for an additional five years. He identified several priority sectors for collaboration, including renewable energy, floriculture, agriculture, agro-processing, eco-tourism, the coconut industry, and healthcare. Amith also highlighted that slow progress in obtaining Geographical Indication (GI) Certification for spices and agricultural commodities has caused the country to miss export opportunities in the EU.