## 📈 CWEIC Chairman Lord Marland to Visit Sri Lanka next week

Lord Marland of Odstock, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka on February 9th and 10th, 2026. This visit follows the establishment of a dedicated CWEIC hub in Colombo to support local strategic partners and drive trade within the 56-member network. • Economic Impact & Objectives The mission aims to bolster Sri Lanka’s economic recovery by leveraging the "Commonwealth Advantage"—a 21% reduction in bilateral trade costs and a 27% increase in investment flows between member nations. • Strategic Engagements Lord Marland is scheduled to meet with the President and key private sector partners to discuss the investment climate. Focus areas include diversifying the economic base and fostering global trade integration. • Key Partnerships CWEIC currently collaborates with prominent Sri Lankan entities, including: • Port City Colombo (Special Economic Zone) • Capital Maharaja Group • LOLC Holdings • ICT/BPM leaders like EWIS and BoardPAC • Hypower Engineering International • National Context The visit highlights Sri Lanka's strategic maritime role and its potential to expand into high-growth markets in South Asia and Africa. Strengthening these ties is essential for boosting FDI and enhancing local employment through trade, energy, and financial services sectors.