China presents roadmap to deepen economic cooperation with Sri Lanka

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao highlights China-Sri Lanka friendship from ancient Silk Route to Belt and Road ties at 'Sri Lanka-China Trade and Investment Forum 2025' in Colombo Proposes three key focus areas-expanding trade, deepening investments, defending multilateralism Urges greater use of trade fairs and joint programs to boost Sri Lankan exports to China Encourages Chinese investment in green, digital and low-carbon sectors Backs creation of industrial and supply chain zones in Sri Lanka Warns against global protectionism; promotes China as stable and open trade partner Cites 2024 bilateral trade hits $ 5.36 b, with 13.4% YoY growth, highest for China in South Asia

- BY CHARUMINI DE SILVA

CHINESE Commerce Minister Wang Wentao yesterday presented a roadmap to deepen bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation.

Delivering the keynote address at the 'Sri Lanka-China Trade and Investment Forum 2025', his address outlined the long-standing diplomatic relations, rapidly expanding economic ties and a future shaped by shared development goals.

Accompanied by a delegation of 115 Chinese representing 77 companies, Minister Wentao's visit marks the largest business mission from China to Sri Lanka in recent years, heralding renewed commitment to encourage deeper economic engagement under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

He also highlighted the enduring historical relationship between Sri Lanka and China, rooted in centuries-old silk routes and strengthened in decades by major diplomatic and economic milestones.

"China and Sri Lanka enjoy a millennium-long friendship. Our modern cooperation, from the historic Rice-Rubber Pact to today's BRI projects, is built on sincerity, mutual assistance and shared prosperity," he said.