📈 Sri Lanka-China Business Council Marks 25 Years, Urges Balanced Trade & Investment

The Sri Lanka-China Business Council (SLCBC) celebrated its 25th anniversary, focusing on deepening bilateral trade, addressing the longstanding trade imbalance, and boosting investment into Sri Lanka. • Key Priority Areas & Reforms Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Push to restart negotiations on the proposed Sri Lanka-China FTA. Tariff Rationalization: Sri Lanka plans to remove para-tariffs (CESS and PAL) by 2029 to enhance competitiveness and open markets. Trade Imbalance: Focus on reducing the import-export gap by expanding market access for Sri Lanka's key exports to China, particularly tea, gems, rubber, and spices. • Investment & Future Growth Sectors Key Industries: Calls for Chinese investment in value-added manufacturing, renewable energy, tourism, logistics, digital economy, and modern agriculture. Partnerships: Emphasis on joint ventures with local Sri Lankan businesses and expanding access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging areas like AI and digital trade. Frameworks: Strengthening risk management, transparency, and business facilitation mechanisms for long-term economic recovery.