China and Sri Lanka are advancing their economic and trade partnership by signing key agreements and identifying new areas for investment during the 8th meeting of the China-Sri Lanka Joint Trade and Economic Commission in Colombo, as reported by China’s Ministry of Commerce.
The meeting, co-chaired by Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and Sri Lankan Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, involved detailed discussions on enhancing Belt and Road cooperation, expanding trade and investment ties, and supporting the multilateral trade framework. Two MoUs were signed, one to set up a trade facilitation working group and another on industrial and supply chain collaboration.
Minister Wang highlighted that under the strategic leadership of both nations, trade and investment have steadily grown, with deeper supply chain integration and increasing exchanges between people. He affirmed China’s commitment to boosting Sri Lanka’s exports to China and encouraging sustainable, balanced trade.
Wang also stressed China’s plans to promote investment-led trade, foster a business-friendly environment, and back green and digital economy initiatives. He reiterated China’s firm stance on preserving the multilateral trading system under the WTO and opposing protectionism and unilateralism.
Sri Lankan Minister Samarasinghe reiterated the country’s strong support for the Belt and Road Initiative and invited Chinese investments in areas such as agro-processing and renewable energy. He expressed a desire to enhance cooperation with China on global platforms to defend mutual interests.
Separately, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with Minister Wang, praising China’s accomplishments in economic growth, technological innovation, and infrastructure. He expressed Sri Lanka’s intention to expand BRI cooperation and attract more Chinese investors.
Wang responded by committing to deepen bilateral collaboration across trade, investment, and supply chains, push forward major projects, and ensure progress on livelihood-centered initiatives, further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Chinese businesses echoed optimism over Sri Lanka’s investment climate. Huang Fen, VP of Tongfa Group, a Chinese firm in the food and trade sector, recently visited Colombo and welcomed Sri Lanka’s investor-friendly policies.
She noted that incentives in Colombo Port City, such as one-stop investment services, long-term green visas, and tax incentives, are particularly appealing. Tongfa is considering building a sugar factory in Sri Lanka to serve the local and South Asian markets.
Huang added that Sri Lanka’s rich agricultural base creates room for greater cooperation. Her company aims to import local seafood and farm products like tuna, crabs, and mangoes for canning and re-export.
As a key Belt and Road partner, Sri Lanka shares a long-standing friendship with China. Huang said this camaraderie was evident during their visit and has strengthened their motivation to pursue future trade and investment projects in Sri Lanka.
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