SL, Thailand FTA talk progress to 6th round

• Negotiations to conclude in February next year followed by signing in March

The fifth round of Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA) negotiations commenced in Colombo yesterday aligning with President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s vision of strengthening economic ties with major and emerging economies, with a particular focus on ASEAN countries.

Leader of SL delegation, International Trade Office Chief Negotiator K.J. Weerasinghe, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the FTA discussions, which are proceeding according to the agreed-upon timeline. The fifth round of discussions is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday.

The next round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in Thailand from 21 to 23 August. Three additional rounds are planned to conclude the Agreement by February 2024, with the signing expected to occur in March 2024.

During the opening session at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo, Weerasinghe welcomed the SLTFTA delegation and emphasised the Sri Lankan Government’s objective of integrating into the global economy. Sri Lanka aims to expand its economic reach first within South Asia and then extend further eastward to become a part of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Sri Lanka will formally request the member countries of RCEP to support its application. Given Thailand’s active participation in both ASEAN and RCEP, Sri Lanka will seek Thailand’s support in joining RCEP.

Thailand Chief Negotiator and Department of Trade Negotiations Director General Arumon Supthaweethum participated in the negotiations virtually. The Thai delegation, including Ambassador of Thailand in Sri Lanka Poj Harnpol, and the Sri Lankan delegation, including Senior Advisor to President on International Media Kshenuka Seneviratne, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Chandani Wijayawardana, International Trade Office (Leader of SL delegation) Chief Negotiator K.J. Weerasinghe, Additional Secretary to the President (Deputy Chief Negotiator) S.W.C. Jayamini also attended the event.