American and Sri Lankan experts discuss ways to unleash bilateral trade

More than 70 key decision makers and technical experts from across Sri Lankan ministries, agencies, research institutes, and chambers of commerce participated in the U.S.-supported three-day trade policy seminar

From 29 November to 1 December, the U.S. Department of State, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Sri Lanka Department of Commerce held three seminars on trade policy with more than 70 key decision makers and technical experts from various Sri Lankan ministries, agencies, research institutes, trade policy think tanks, and Chambers of Commerce.  

“Sri Lanka can count on the United States as a partner to help unleash the trade potential of Sri Lankan companies,” said U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap.

Sessions over the three days covered skills development in quantitative trade policy analysis, a discussion of trade negotiation strategies, and a discussion of the potential for formulation of a Sri Lanka national trade policy. “It’s nice to be surrounded by friendly faces as we have similar jobs, struggle with the same challenges and realise the value of trade,” said U.S. Department of Commerce at the International Trade Administration Team Lead for Negotiations Katrice Kelly. 

The three-day seminar also included experts from the U.S. International Trade Administration Office of Trade Negotiations and Analysis, the International Trade Centre (ITC), and World Bank. Sessions covered resources for market analysis, economic modelling, trade strategy development, and public-private cooperation.

“As public servants we’re committed to continual learning and consulting all stakeholders in formulating trade policy,” said Sri Lanka Department of Commerce Director General Sonali Wijeratne.