Sri Lanka-france Economic Relations
The development of the economic and commercial ties between Sri Lanka and France is facilitated by the Economic Service of the Embassy of France in collaboration with Ubifrance, the French trade agency dedicated to assist French companies in their business development and investment pro j e c t s, through its India office.
The Embassy collaborates with other local organisations such as the SLFBC ( Sri Lanka France Business Council) and local chambers of commerce. During the last decade, the trade relation between France and Sri Lanka has witnessed a strong growth of 60% from 215 M€ in 2002 to 346 M€ in 2012. In the same period, the Sri Lankan export to France grew by nearly 80%. Despite of the economic slowdown in Europe, France remains a main market for Sri Lanka goods and ranks as the 11th export destination in 2012.
Exports to France are led by the textile and garment products, which has witnessed a 100% growth since 2002, making up 55% of the total Sri Lankan exports to France in 2012. Despite the fact that Sri Lanka lost the benefit of the European Union Generalise Preferences System Plus (GPS+) in 2010,
exportations of textile and garment to France continued to grow, by 12% in 2011 and by 23% in 2012. Other main Sri Lankan goods exported to France include food products ( 15%) and rubber based products (14%). In 2012 alone, the total Sri Lankan exports to France have increased by 10% to reach 220 M€. In the meantime, imports from France have recorded a slighter progress, with a growth of 38% since 2002. After an impressive performance in 2011 ( 200 M€), imports from France were recorded at a more usual level of 130 M€ in 2012. These imports were mainly composed of transport equipment ( 37%), mechanic, electric and electronic equipment (23%) as well as chemical and cosmetic products (10%). In 2012, France was the 25th supplier of Sri Lanka.
Moreover, the agreement signed on 19th of June 2013 between Airbus and Sri Lankan Airlines for the purchase of 6 A 330-300s and 4 A350-900s will keep the local airline an all Airbus operator, with stronger economic performance and will improve the volume of trade between our two countries.
The total French investments in Sri Lanka add up to around 29 M€. Some of the mains French investors include Lafarge Cement Pvt Ttd (cement production), Mapa Lanka (Pvt) Ltd & Mapa Lalan Pvt Ltd (gloves export), Bio Lanka (for coir dust slabs), Intissel Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and Chargeurs Group (interlining of garments), Noyon Lanka (Pvt) Ltd – Noyon La Dentelle Calais (lace fabric).
It is noteworthy that Sri Lanka is becoming a favourite destination for tourists. French nationals –more than 50 000 travelled to the island in 2012– are ranked fourth among foreign visitors.
In order to foster the relations between Sri Lanka and France, the French Embassy is organizing or participating to a series of