Open for business: US assists Sri Lanka Customs to develop trade potential

US experts from US Customs and Border Protection and Department of Commerce collaborated with 20 senior officials from Sri Lanka Customs on legal reforms to benefit the trade community

Legal experts from the US Department of Commerce and US Customs and Border Protection collaborated with 20 senior officials from Sri Lanka Customs in Colombo last week on reforming customs procedures to enhance trade.  

The effort seeks to improve efficiency and transparency for businesses, allowing Sri Lanka to develop more fully its export potential and advance investment opportunities.

“The United States is working at all levels in Sri Lanka – government, private sector, and development groups – to help strengthen the economy for the benefit of all Sri Lankans,” said US Ambassador Atul Keshap.  “These reforms will send important signals to the trade community that Sri Lanka is open for business.”

The three-day workshop, provided in cooperation with the Embassy of the United States of America, will also better position Sri Lanka to meet its commitment under the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade Facilitation.

The sessions addressed issues key to Sri Lanka realising its export-led development plan, including advance rulings, valuation and classification, and customs appeals.  In addition, the US experts held a one-day training for 30 District Court and Magistrate Judges who commonly hear customs appeals.

“Improving the legal environment for doing business in Sri Lanka fosters economic opportunity for local entrepreneurs and US companies alike,” said Megan McMillan, Attorney-Advisor for the US Commerce Department Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP).  She added, “These ambitious reforms will strengthen Sri Lanka’s connections to global supply chains while saving Customs resources.”  

This week’s workshops are the first in a series the CLDP has proposed conducting in Sri Lanka in partnership with other US government agencies.  

A Sri Lanka Customs officials receive certificates upon completing the intensive three-day workshop to help improve the efficiency and transparency of customs procedures