Sri Lanka expands trade and investment ties with China and Hong Kong

Sri Lanka is actively pursuing enhanced economic and trade ties with China and Hong Kong through various diplomatic and commercial initiatives.

The Sri Lanka–China Business Council (SLCHBC) recently marked its 25th anniversary, celebrating a quarter-century of cooperation. During the event, Sri Lankan Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe noted that China remains Sri Lanka’s largest import partner, with key imports including iron, steel, and vehicles. Major Sri Lankan exports to China include apparel, tea, and activated carbon. Officials emphasized the importance of promoting bilateral free trade agreements and attracting further Chinese investment.

In a separate effort to expand market reach, a seminar titled ‘Bridging Markets: Unlocking Hong Kong–Sri Lanka Trade & Investment Opportunities’ was held in Colombo. Organized by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in collaboration with Invest Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the event focused on connecting Sri Lankan exporters to Hong Kong and Mainland China.

Over 100 participants from sectors such as ICT, gemstones, apparel, and food attended the seminar. Discussions centered on leveraging Hong Kong’s role as a global business hub to facilitate international market entry and strengthen ties between Sri Lankan enterprises and Chinese firms.