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2 clusters · 5 sources · 5 days · First seen 8 days ago · Last updated 3 days ago

Sri Lanka trade policy and export development

Overview

Sri Lanka is pursuing initiatives to expand its export capacity and reform its trade policies. During the 31st Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka – Benelux Business Council, Netherlands Ambassador Wiebe de Boer noted that Sri Lanka’s GSP+ trade access is secured until 2029, though bureaucratic hurdles and foreign investment caps remain concerns. Discussions highlighted the potential for transitioning from GSP+ to a full Free Trade Agreement with the EU.

In response to economic recovery efforts, the Sri Lankan Cabinet announced the establishment of a National Business Facilitation Centre (NBFC) under the Presidential Secretariat. This center aims to coordinate state agencies and remove administrative barriers for sectors such as export zones and medical tourism. Furthermore, the government plans to appoint an expert panel to conduct a strategic review of existing Free Trade Agreements, including those with India and Pakistan, to identify new bilateral opportunities.

Entities

Port of Rotterdam · Wiebe de Boer · Ceylon Chamber of Commerce · Farhath Amith · Cabinet of Sri Lanka

Timeline

3 days ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
Sri Lanka to reform trade policy and establish business facilitation centre
Sri Lanka is establishing a new National Business Facilitation Centre and an expert panel to review existing Free Trade Agreements and pursue new bilateral deals to boost economic growth.
8 days ago

[BUSINESS] 4 sources
Sri Lanka – Benelux Business Council discusses EU trade expansion
At the Sri Lanka – Benelux Business Council meeting, officials discussed expanding trade via the Port of Rotterdam and transitioning from GSP+ status to a full EU Free Trade Agreement.

Sources

chamber.lk · lankabusinessonline.com · lankanewspapers.com · lankanewsweb.net · srilankachronicle.com