Sri Lanka and US discuss ways to further boost bilateral ties
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina Teplitz has recently called on Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and discussed measures to boost bilateral ties.
Minister Gunawardena has reportedly thanked the government and people of the United States for the assistance extended to combat Covid-19 pandemic and to mitigate the environmental and socio-economic impact of the MV X-Press Pearl disaster.
The Minister has particularly appreciated the US Government for sending emergency medical supplies such as PPEs and oximeters through the USAID as well as vaccines through the COVAX programme.
Gunawardena has further welcomed private sector investments from the United States, utilising the strong political and economic bilateral cooperation enjoyed by the two countries.
Other bilateral matters, including convening of Partnership Dialogue and Joint Commission of Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, had also been discussed during the meeting.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka and US enjoy strong bilateral and trade ties that are being further strengthened. Sri Lanka also enjoys the benefits of the US GSP facility. Given the many trade agreements as well as trade concessions enjoyed by the country and the island fast becoming a business hub in the South Asian region given its geographical positioning in the Indian ocean, Sri Lanka is an ideal business/investment destination for US businesses/investors. Sri Lanka could be used as the base for US businesses looking at engaging with other markets in the region.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20210722/Z_4 |