Industry executives from the two nations considered the meeting as a significant step towards enhancing bilateral economic cooperation, an Adaderana Plus report said.

The meeting, held in the context of the recently signed Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement, focused on strategies to maximize the benefits of the agreement.

Both sides emphasized the importance of awareness programs among the business communities to take full advantage of the treaty’s opportunities.

The talks revealed the need to address the current trade deficit, explored product categories to diversify Sri Lanka’s exports to Thailand and envisioned new avenues for trade with a significant increase in Colombo’s export earnings, the source said. The heads of the chambers assured their utmost cooperation and attention to increase export earnings, and underscored efforts to enhance trade and investment.

Saranga Wijeyarathne, president of the Colombo Chamber of Commerce and director of the Federation of Sri Lankan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, considered this a crucial moment, as the treaty opens a new chapter of economic collaboration.

We are excited about the potential it holds for both our countries. We look forward to working closely with our Thai counterparts to take advantage of these opportunities, he added.

Dushyantha Basnayak, chairman of the Sri Lanka-Thailand Business Council, also expressed confidence in the support of the Thai Chamber of Commerce to enhance such ties, which are crucial for the economic growth and prosperity of both nations.

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