Exploring Opportunities under Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration 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 Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) on 29^th February, 2024 for Sri Lankan exporters.

The seminar aimed to raise awareness among the Sri Lankan business community and provide a platform for exploring new business opportunities available in the “Trade in Goods Chapter” under Sri Lanka Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA).  The seminar featured eminent panel comprising Mr. K.J Weerasinghe, Chief Negotiator, Office for International Trade, Presidential Secretariat, Mr. K.A Vimalenthirajah, Director General, Department of Trade and Investment Policies, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Sanjeewa Pattiwila, Director of Commerce, Department of Commerce, who shared valuable insights on SLTFTA.

The session witnessed the participation of over 150 representatives from the exporter community, public sector and academia.  Through presentations and spirited discussions under  Q & A session, participants gained a deeper understanding of the strategic framework requirements which are shaping the bilateral trade relationship between Sri Lanka and Thailand in terms of exploration of potential, visualizing a landscape suitable with opportunities for growth, innovation, and prosperity.

The event was inaugurated jointly by, Mr. M. M. Nayeemudeen, Secretary, Ministry of Investment Promotion, Mrs. J. M. Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary, Ministry of Industries, Mr. A.M.P.M.B. Atapattu, Secretary, 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 continuing this dialogue and planning more trade promotional events for the Thailand market in the future, working in collaboration with the other Government institutions to get maximum benefit to Sri Lankan economy.