‘Sri Lanka would like to see more Indian investments in future’

NDIA is Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner and was one of the first countries with which Sri Lanka signed a free trade agreement (FTA). Recently, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) hosted an interactive business session with a high-level Sri Lankan delegation, led by Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade. In an interview with Pushpita Dey, Samarasinghe discussed Sri Lanka’s desire to welcome more Indian investors. Edited excerpts:

- 

India is Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner. How do you foresee the balance of trade between the two countries in the coming years?

India is our most important trading partner. While we import many consumer goods from India, the country has also provided significant support to Sri Lanka during difficult times. We are working to address the trade imbalance by utilising provisions in our existing trade agreement to increase Sri Lankan exports to India. We have plans to enhance our export facilities and are focusing on boosting shipments of garments, textiles, tea, and other products to the Indian market.

Given the rise of regional trade agreements like RCEP, which Sri Lanka is seeking to join, how do you plan to balance your trade strategy between India, China, and other Asian partners?