Sri Lanka Accelerates Economic Ties with Thailand through Free Trade Agreement Seminar
In a strategic move to enhance economic collaboration, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in conjunction with the Ministry of Industries and Department of Commerce, organized a seminar on “Exploring Opportunities and Implications of the Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement” at the Auditorium of the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) on February 29th, 2024.
The seminar served as a crucial platform for over 150 representatives from the exporter community, public sector, and academia to delve into the vast potential of the “Trade in Goods Chapter” under the Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA). Eminent speakers, including Mr. K.J Weerasinghe, Chief Negotiator at the Office for International Trade, Presidential Secretariat, Mr. K.A Vimalenthirajah, Director General of the Department of Trade and Investment Policies, Ministry of Finance, and Mr. Sanjeewa Pattiwila, Director of Commerce, Department of Commerce, provided valuable insights during the event.
The session aimed to raise awareness and facilitate discussions on the strategic framework requirements that shape the bilateral trade relationship between Sri Lanka and Thailand. Through presentations and an engaging Q & A session, participants gained a deeper understanding of the avenues available for growth, innovation, and prosperity within the SLTFTA.
The seminar was inaugurated jointly by Mr. M. M. Nayeemudeen, Secretary of the Ministry of Investment Promotion, Mrs. J. M. Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary of the Ministry of Industries, and Mr. A.M.P.M.B. Atapattu, Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security. During the welcome remarks, Dr. Kingsley Bernard, Chairman/CEO of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, expressed enthusiasm for sustaining this dialogue and planning more trade promotional events for the Thailand market in the future. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with other government institutions to maximize the benefits for the Sri Lankan economy.
The seminar signifies Sri Lanka’s commitment to fostering a robust economic relationship with Thailand, showcasing the country’s eagerness to explore and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the SLTFTA for the mutual benefit of both nations.
