Private sector reaffirms commitment to strengthen trade ties with China

Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman Krishan Balendra - Pic by Upul Abayasekara

• The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman Krishan Balendra asserts private sector’s readiness to forge long-term partnerships 
• Highlights growing Chinese interest in Sri Lankan exports—tea, spices, seafood and tropical fruits 
• Sees new opportunities in clean energy, healthcare, ICT/BPM, infrastructure and value-added exports
• Points to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and political stability to boost investor appeal
• Extends invite to Chinese firms to ‘Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit’ in December

 By Charumini de Silva

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman Krishan Balendra last Friday reaffirmed the private sector’s readiness to pursue tangible investment and trade partnerships with their Chinese counterparts.

Welcoming an over 100-member Chinese business delegation representing 77 companies to the ‘Sri Lanka-China Trade and Investment Forum 2025’ held at Shangri-La Colombo, he highlighted the critical role of the business community in bilateral ties.

“This forum opens a new chapter in Sri Lanka-China economic relations. It is our sincere hope that today’s conversations lead to meaningful investments and long-lasting partnerships that benefit both our countries,” he said.

He also commended the Chinese delegation’s diversity—representing key sectors such as machinery and electronics, textiles, food and agricultural products, and private enterprises.

“Your presence reflects the strong and enduring economic partnership between our two countries. We are especially encouraged by the growing interest in Sri Lankan exports such as tea, spices, seafood and tropical fruits, where we enjoy a strong comparative advantage,” Balendra added. 

The event, co-hosted by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka – China Business Council of The Ceylon Chamber, and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME), served as a high-impact platform for deepening commercial cooperation, particularly at a time when Sri Lanka is recovering robustly from its recent economic challenges.

On the import side, he welcomed increased Chinese exports in agricultural goods, processed foods, machinery, textiles, and home goods.

Balendra asserted new avenues for cooperation, extending beyond goods to services and emerging industries, including modern healthcare solutions, clean and renewable energy, environmental technology, infrastructure development and digital transformation, and ICT/BPM. 

He also noted promising Chinese interest in automotive, plantation, and value-added industries, citing these sectors as strategic long-term growth areas for Sri Lanka’s industrialisation goals.

Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, Balendra shared that the country registered a 5% GDP growth last year, with increased foreign reserves, export recovery, and renewed political stability following elections.

“We have entered a phase of accelerated reforms. With continued improvements in governance and economic policy, Sri Lanka is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for long-term investment,” he added.

Balendra also extended an invitation to the visiting Chinese delegation to participate in The Ceylon Chamber’s ‘Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit’ scheduled for December 2025. 

He said the two-day summit will feature thought leadership panels, strategic sector discussions, and direct investor interactions across key areas in tourism, IT/BPM, infrastructure, education, maritime, and digital economy.

Balendra commended the collaborative efforts of all supporting institutions, extending The Ceylon Chamber’s continued commitment to business matchmaking, investor dialogue, and commercial facilitation.