Sino-SL FTA early next year

“The government will sign the Free TradeAgreement with China within the first half of the next year, securing tariff-free access for Sri Lankan products to the vast Chinese market,” External Affairs Minister G.L.Peiris told Parliament yesterday.

The Minister said the government would seek to sort out shortcomings in the Free Trade Agreements signed with India and Pakistan to increase the trade volume exponentially with these two countries. In this case, he said, the government would explore the possibility of sorting out non tariff barriers.

During the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the two sides launched negotiations on the trade agreement. The Chinese president stressed the need for expediting action in this regard.

Once it is signed, Prof. Peiris said, Sri Lankan exporters would be able to secure tariff-free access to the Chinese market.

During the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the two sides launched negotiations on the trade agreement