Sri Lanka expands trade ties with Australia, New Zealand, and China

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has undertaken significant efforts to strengthen Sri Lanka’s international trade ties through two major initiatives involving Australia, New Zealand, and China.

A delegation from the Sri Lanka-Australia-New Zealand Business Council (SLANZBC) recently visited Canberra, Melbourne, and Sydney. Working with the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Australia, the delegation met with federal parliamentarians, government agencies like Austrade and DFAT, and various business bodies. Discussions focused on expanding trade and investment in sectors including technology, AI, fisheries, logistics, and venture capital.

Separately, the Sri Lanka–China Business Council (SLCHBC) celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of economic partnership. During the event, Sri Lankan Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe noted that China is projected to remain Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner in 2025. Key trade flows include Chinese imports of steel and vehicles, and Sri Lankan exports of apparel, tea, and coconut products.