Govt. reviews FTAs, targets new market opportunities to strengthen trade ties

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

A high-level discussion on the review and future direction of Sri Lanka’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) was held this week at the Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Ministry, focusing on strengthening trade performance and expanding access to new export markets.

The meeting, chaired by Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, brought together key government stakeholders to assess the ongoing FTA review process and explore strategic pathways to enhance bilateral and regional trade cooperation.

During the discussions, the Minister reviewed progress on the Cabinet-appointed FTA Review Committee’s report and underscored the need to identify emerging markets to deepen economic engagement and improve Sri Lanka’s trade competitiveness. He stressed the importance of adopting a more structured and practical approach in negotiating future trade agreements.

Ministry Secretary K.A. Wimalenthirarajah briefed participants on the current status of the review process and outlined key findings of the committee’s draft report. 

The session also focused on the implementation framework for future FTA negotiations and related policy actions.

Minister Samarasinghe further directed officials to establish dedicated Technical Negotiating Teams to support upcoming trade discussions and ensure more effective engagement with partner countries.

Senior officials representing the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Trade and Investment Policy, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) participated in the discussion.