FCCISL and Department of Commerce strengthen partnership to advance export growth

The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) participated in a high-level consultation convened by the Department of Commerce at the request of the Trade Ministry recently.

FCCISL was represented by State Affairs Committee Director and Chairman Ruwan De Silva, and Secretary General Thilan Wijesinghe.

The consultation brought together leading trade chambers and industry associations to review international trade developments and strengthen collaboration on export promotion, foreign investment and economic ties. Acting Director General of Commerce Somasena Mahadiulwewa emphasised that achieving the Government’s target of $ 36 billion in export earnings by 2030 requires coordinated action by government institutions, exporters, chambers and Commercial Officers serving overseas.

Department data showed that preferential arrangements supported 41.35% of Sri Lanka’s exports in 2025, with EU GSP remaining the largest scheme. Participants therefore stressed the importance of preserving preferential access and expanding the effective use of trade agreements.

FCCISL Secretary General Thilan Wijesinghe said: “FCCISL suggests adopting a holistic, multi-layered strategic modality focused on regulatory engagement and infrastructure and technical capacity-building for Sri Lankan food producers, exporters and testing institutions. This should cover all relevant aspects of food production and packaging to minimise Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH) in Sri Lankan food products exported to European and global markets and meet new European Union regulations and standards effective from January 2027.”

Regarding the United States, participants reviewed recent tariff changes, continuing Government engagement on reciprocal tariffs and the need to protect Sri Lanka’s trade credibility. Chambers and exporters were encouraged to strengthen origin verification, due diligence and monitoring against trade circumvention, particularly for non-preferential exports and Certificates of Origin.

Participants were briefed on proposed cooperation with Yunnan Province, China, under the ‘Three Free

and Three Facilitations’ initiative. The proposal includes 2,000 square metres each of free bonded- warehouse and exhibition space, free access to online and e-commerce platforms, and facilitation for logistics, customs clearance of fresh and perishable goods, and preferential freight services. A Yunnan delegation is expected to visit Sri Lanka to advance implementation.

The Department invited chambers to submit their proposed 2027 overseas promotional activities, counterpart-chamber agreements and required support so that Commercial Officers’ programs can be

aligned with exporters’ priorities. Regular Department-chamber consultations will continue.

Addressing FCCISL’s district, regional and sectoral trade chambers and associations, State Affairs Committee Director and Chairman Ruwan De Silva said: “Our district, regional and sectoral chambers and associations should prepare members for new market and compliance requirements, identify sector-specific barriers and submit practical trade promotion proposals through FCCISL. A coordinated chamber network can help businesses throughout Sri Lanka participate more effectively in international markets.”

The meeting was also attended by Acting Directors of Commerce Chandima Abeyrathna and Yoshitha Jayasooriya; Head - Rules of Origin Jagath Abeywarna, Head - Trade Promotion Charitha Yattogoda, other officials and chamber and industry representatives.