Sri Lanka, UAE explore deeper trade ties and port sector cooperation
Daily FT: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sri Lanka yesterday discussed expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation, with a focus on ports, aviation, maritime connectivity, and a proposed trade agreement between the two countries.
The discussions took place during a meeting between UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka Khaled Nasser Al Ameri and Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe.
Both sides reviewed growing economic ties between the two countries, with bilateral trade currently estimated at around $ 1.5 billion. The UAE remains Sri Lanka’s seventh-largest export destination and third-largest import partner.
During the discussions, the UAE Ambassador highlighted interest by Abu Dhabi Ports Company in opportunities connected to the Port of Colombo.
Minister Samarasinghe said Sri Lanka was also offering investment opportunities linked to both the Port of Colombo and the Port of Trincomalee as the Government seeks to strengthen the country’s logistics and maritime sectors.
The talks also covered maritime and aviation cooperation, including discussions on the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Sri Lanka and the UAE.
The UAE side additionally expressed interest in expanding cooperation with SriLankan Airlines, particularly in aircraft maintenance and related technical services.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s strengthening economic ties with the UAE are expected to unlock new business/investment opportunities across several strategic sectors, particularly as both countries explore deeper cooperation in trade, ports, aviation, and maritime connectivity. Discussions on a proposed trade agreement further signal growing confidence in Sri Lanka’s potential as an emerging regional commercial hub. With its strategic location along major Indian Ocean shipping routes, Sri Lanka offers significant opportunities for foreign businesses/investors seeking access to South Asian, Middle Eastern, and East African markets. The country’s expanding infrastructure, modernising ports, and ongoing developments such as Port City Colombo are creating new prospects in logistics, shipping, finance, tourism, real estate, and international trade services. For UAE businesses/investors, Sri Lanka presents strong potential for partnerships in port operations, aviation services, warehousing, renewable energy, hospitality, and technology-driven industries. As economic activity continues to expand and investor confidence improves, demand is also rising for advanced infrastructure, commercial development, and integrated logistics solutions. Sri Lanka’s push to position itself as a regional business and connectivity hub aligns closely with the UAE’s global trade and investment outlook, creating opportunities for mutually beneficial collaborations that can strengthen bilateral economic relations while supporting long-term growth in the region.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/202605185Z_4 |