📈 SL-Thailand Business Council Eyes US$1 Billion Trade Boost Post-FTA

• The Sri Lanka–Thailand Business Council (SLTBC) held its 24th AGM, reaffirming its pivotal role in strengthening trade, investment, and tourism ties between the two nations. • Founding Member Rizan Nazeer (Transtrade International) was appointed as the new President for the 2025/2026 term. • A core focus is maximizing the potential of the Sri Lanka–Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed in February 2024. The FTA targets eliminating tariffs on nearly 85% of traded goods within six years. • The Council expects the FTA to raise bilateral trade significantly, from the current US$350 Mn to over US$1 Billion in the near future. • Key areas for expanded private-sector cooperation, joint ventures, and new market access include agriculture, food processing, health and wellness, tourism, renewable energy, and technology. • SLTBC will also focus on empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to benefit from enhanced bilateral opportunities.