Sri Lanka and US to facilitate the movement of cargo more efficiently and profitably
The United States and Sri Lanka has signed an agreement to amend the bilateral Open Skies Agreement of 2002 in order to facilitate the movement of cargo more efficiently and profitably.
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap and Secretary of Civil Aviation G S Withanage has reportedly signed the agreement.
The agreement will strengthen global express delivery cargo networks.
The US Embassy in Colombo has stated that the agreement will also enhance bilateral connectivity and competitiveness, and facilitates economic growth and job creation.
“This amendment to our bilateral Open Skies Agreement further strengthens the robust and longstanding trade relationship between the US and Sri Lanka,” Ambassador Keshap said.
“As Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner, the United States seeks economic growth that provides employment and opportunity for the citizens of both our nations.”
The signing took place during the 10th International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN 2017) held in Colombo from December 4 – 8.
The US embassy has said that within the ICAN 2017 framework, the US is meeting with over a dozen countries and agreed in principle on amendments to two existing aviation agreements to expand rights for US carriers to include key seventh-freedom rights for all-cargo operations.
This year’s ICAN provided a venue to discuss a wide range of civil aviation issues with bilateral partner governments to resolve business issues and to obtain new rights for US carriers.
The US Embassy in Colombo has further noted that the US delegation includes representatives from the Departments of State and Transportation.
OSL take:
The move by the US and Sri Lanka to amend the bilateral Open Skies Agreement of 2002 in order to facilitate the movement of cargo more efficiently and profitably will result in the growth of trade between the two countries. This would also be an added incentive for foreign investors looking at entering the Sri Lankan economy as their businesses could benefit from agreement between the US and Sri Lanka.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/13122017/Z_1 |