Sri Lanka & Uzbekistan Launch New Framework for Enhanced Economic Ties 📈

Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan have established a formal bilateral dialogue framework following the inaugural round of Political Consultations held on July 9, 2026, in Tashkent. The milestone agreement aims to deepen economic engagement, leverage regional connectivity, and diversify trade partnerships. • Overall Cooperation: Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to institutionalize regular bilateral dialogue, led by Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja and Uzbek First Deputy Minister Aloyev Bakhrom. The next round is scheduled for Colombo in 2027. • Key Sectors Identified: Mutual trade, tourism, logistics, and higher education (specifically revitalizing historical ties in medicine and engineering) were marked as high-potential areas. • Trade & Export Diversification: Targeted bilateral discussions focused on entering new markets and joint opportunities in core Sri Lankan sectors, including: • Apparel & textiles manufacturing collaboration. • Tea packaging and value addition. • Seafood exports expansion. • Gem & jewellery industry development. • Tourism Boost: Welcomed the launch of seasonal charter flights from Uzbekistan to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Tourism has been invited to participate in the Tashkent International Tourism Fair in September 2026 to catalyze Central Asian visitor flows.