NCE-FIEO MoU to boost bilateral trade and export opportunities

The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), aiming to strengthen trade ties and expand export opportunities between the two countries.

The NCE said the signing of this MoU with the FIEO marks a new chapter in strengthening trade relations between Sri Lanka and India. India is not only Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour but also one of its most important trading partners. 

“By leveraging the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), this partnership will enable our exporters to gain greater access to the Indian market while also creating new opportunities for collaboration in sectors of mutual interest. The NCE is committed to ensuring that our members take full advantage of these opportunities to enhance competitiveness and grow their businesses internationally,” said NCE President Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa. Sri Lanka and India have maintained strong trade links under the ISFTA, which came into force in 2000. The deal has offered duty concessions and preferential market access for a wide range of goods, boosting trade in textiles, apparel, agricultural products, food and beverages, rubber-based products, machinery and ICT services.

NCE Secretary General and CEO Shiham Marikar added that the collaboration with the FIEO provides a structured platform for Sri Lankan exporters to directly engage with their Indian counterparts. 

“We see this not only as a gateway to increased trade but also as a means of fostering long-term partnerships, knowledge-sharing and capacity building. The upcoming business delegation to India and the proposed Business Forum will be practical steps toward turning this MoU into tangible results for our members. We are deeply grateful to the High Commission of India in Colombo for their invaluable role in facilitating this partnership, which we believe will bring lasting benefits to both nations,” he said.

As a next step, the NCE said, in coordination with the FIEO, it plans to send a business delegation to India. The programme will include a high-level Business Forum to connect Sri Lankan exporters with the potential Indian partners and explore opportunities in one of the region’s fastest-growing economies.