Sri Lanka-China Trade and Investment Forum 2025 sparks new economic opportunities

• Labour Minister and Economic Development Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando invites Chinese firms to consider joint ventures in agro, ICT/BPO, textiles and apparel, tourism, and renewable energy
• Highlights historic China-Sri Lanka ties and urges action beyond dialogue
• Outlines focus on ethical manufacturing, renewable energy, exports, and digitisation
• Promises investor-friendly policies based on transparency and sustainability

Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha

Labour Minister and Economic Development Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando yesterday called on high-level Chinese companies to consider joint ventures in high-potential sectors such as agro-processing and fisheries, ICT and BPO, textiles and apparel, tourism as well as renewable energy.  He made these remarks at the inauguration ceremony of the ‘Sri Lanka and China Trade and Investment Forum 2025’ 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).

The high-profile event attended by Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, Chinese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong along with 115 delegates representing 77 Chinese companies—displayed strengthening economic diplomacy with deepening ties and mutual commitment to expanding trade, investment and bilateral cooperation.

“Sri Lanka-China Trade and Investment Forum 2025 stands as a testimony to the growing partnership between our two countries, built on shared values, cultural bonds, mutual respect and rapidly expanding economic cooperation,” Dr. Fernando stressed.

He referred to the strong and historic friendship between China and Sri Lanka, highlighting the importance of translating dialogue into concrete action.

“This forum is a special step in our journey as we turn dialogue into investment and cooperation into development,” he said.

Dr. Fernando appreciated the large representation by a high-level delegation and commended China’s enduring role in promoting goodwill and advancing mutually beneficial trade relations with Sri Lanka.

The Chinese delegation comprised representatives from four leading chambers—China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME), China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products, China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). 

They were joined by Sri Lankan business leaders and industry representatives keen to explore opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, ICT, apparel and tourism. 

Dr. Fernando highlighted Sri Lanka’s economic outlook, following a period of macroeconomic stabilisation and reforms. 

Referring to the successful conclusion of the 8th Session of the China-Sri Lanka Joint Committee on Economic and Trade Cooperation, held just ahead of the Forum, Dr. Fernando underscored the importance of continuous dialogue in enhancing trade and investment flows between the two nations.

He outlined the Government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for investment, guided by principles of transparency, predictability and sustainability.

“We are building a manufacturing-based economy with strategic focus on ethical manufacturing, value-added exports, renewable energy and digitisation,” he said.

The Minister also highlighted last year’s key economic indicators which included growth of 5%, merchandise exports totalling $ 12.02 billion, imports at $ 18.27 billion, $ 614 million foreign direct investment (FDIs) and total tourist arrivals of 2.05 million. 

He said these figures reflect Sri Lanka’s increasing global economic integration and growing potential as a trade and investment hub in South Asia.

As Sri Lanka and China approach the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in a few years, Dr. Fernando said the Forum symbolises a renewed chapter of economic cooperation, setting the stage for expanded collaboration and shared prosperity.

The Forum also facilitated B2B meetings and discussions on investments in the automotive value chain, tea plantation and enterprise development and partnerships in renewable energy, clean technology, engineering, construction and water treatment.