Iran calls for boosting trade, financial transactions with Sri Lanka

The Governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) Akbar Komeijani welcomed Sri Lanka’s proposal for expansion of bilateral trade, reiterating that Tehran also expects Colombo to support Iran’s interests at the international societies as an independent country.

He reiterated that the CBI and the Iranian banking system both support the two countries’ imports and exports and provide finance for them through presenting direct and indirect payment mechanisms, the Islamic Republic News Agency reported.

"Expansion of Iran-Sri Lanka commercial and banking systems based on supporting their bilateral imports and exports and presentation of direct and indirect payment mechanisms is quite possible," added Komeijani.

The energy minister of Sri Lanka, too, said in the meeting with the CBI governor that Sri Lanka welcomes expansion of trade ties with Iran despite the entire restrictions ahead, and is interested in expansion of bilateral trade and using the entire existing capacities to secure both sides’ interests, which is reason why we welcome all proposals and executive strategies in this respect.

He ensured the Iranian official that Sri Lanka will support Iran and its national interests under tough international conditions.

Iran Exports to Sri Lanka was US$51.11 Million during 2018, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. Iran Exports to Sri Lanka - data, historical chart and statistics - was last updated on September of 2021.

Iran’s major exports to Sri Lanka include iron and steel bars, bitumen, white cement, and metallic products, and many petrochemical items, while Sri Lanka’s major exports to Iran include tea, can tops, dried and fresh coconuts, cacao and various types of paper and cardboard stickers.