Thursday Sep 10, 2026
Thursday Sep 10, 2026
Thursday, 10 September 2026 05:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe
People’s Republic of China Hong Kong Special Administrative Region CEO John KC Lee
Nisthar Cassim reporting from Hong Kong, China
Sri Lanka yesterday invited investors, businesses, and institutions within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to explore the opportunity that Sri Lanka offers.
The invitation was extended by Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe during his remarks at the inauguration of the two-day Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong, China under the theme ‘Advancing High Quality Development, Embarking on a New Journey.’
Over 6,000 leaders from the government and private sectors from 70 countries are attending the Summit organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Hong Kong Trade Development Council, with the support of The Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong S.A.R. The Belt and Road Summit is a premier international platform for promoting business collaboration along the Belt and Road. This year’s event is the 11th edition.
“Sri Lanka is focused on strengthening innovation, investor confidence, and imploring ease of doing business and promoting investment opportunities across a range of sectors, including renewable energy, logistics, tourism, information technology, advanced manufacturing, agricultural technology, promoting value additions, and food processing,” Minister Samarasinghe said.
The BRI Summit was inaugurated by People’s Republic of China Hong Kong Special Administrative Region CEO John KC Lee. Among the global leaders in attendance were Uzbekistan Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Uruguay Vice President Carolina Cosse, and Laos Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith.
Among Trade and Commerce Ministers attending and speaking at a policy dialogue titled ‘Building Resilient Trade and Investment Frameworks in a Diverse Global Landscape,’ Minister Samarasinghe emphasised that in a rapidly changing global environment, resilience is no longer simply an advantage but a necessity.
He said that Sri Lanka’s economic strategy is focussed on export-led growth, high productivity, continuous innovation and technology, private sector development, and sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
He said that international trade is increasingly connected with digital technologies, green growth, resilience, supply chain, investment flows, and development of new industries.
“To achieve this, our approach must be comprehensive. First, we must strengthen and diversify our trade partnership. Second, we must promote investment that creates long-term value. Foreign investment should not only bring capital; it should also support technology transfer, skills development, innovation, and export by education and global creation,” Minister Samarasinghe told the BRI Summit in Hong Kong, China,
He said that International partnership can play an important role. “The BRI has created opportunities for dialogue and cooperation among countries with diverse economic structures and development priorities and Sri Lanka remains committed to make maximum use of the initiative via greater collaboration,” he said.
“We strongly believe we need stronger multilateral and regional partnership, more open and inclusive trade. Greatest support for developing economies is needed to participate effectively in the global value chain. The future trade must be resilient, but it must also be inclusive. Developing countries, small and medium-sized enterprises, farmers, entrepreneurs, and young people must all have the opportunity to benefit from the whole of that international trade,” Minister Samarasinghe added.
He figured in a panel that included Qatar State Minister for Foreign Trade Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, Thailand Vice Minister for Commerce Dr. Kirida Bhaopichitr, Bangladesh Minister for Commerce and Industries Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Kazakhstan Trade Minister Arman Shakkaliyev, and Timor-Leste Commerce and Industry Minister Filipus Nino Pereira.
Lee in his remarks said: “In a world struggling with unprecedented change and geopolitical fragmentation, connectivity, co-operation, and consensus are essential. That’s precisely what the BRI offers.”
“Rooted in our rich history of cross-cultural collaboration, the BRI is not a map of the past, but a shared blueprint for the future. And Hong Kong is where we realise that future. Where East meets West. Where capital, talent, businesses, and opportunities converge,” he added.
“For good reason. Under ‘one country, two systems,’ Hong Kong enjoys the strong support of China, our country, while maintaining far-reaching international connectivity. We are internationally recognised as a global centre for finance, trade, and logistics, as well as legal services and dispute resolution. Hong Kong is also developing rapidly as an international innovation, technology, and education hub,” the BRI Summit was told.
He said Hong Kong’s merchandise trade with Belt and Road countries rose by nearly 17% last year, reaching about $ 323 billion. Close to 1,500 companies from Belt and Road countries have established offices in Hong Kong, up about 17% from 2022. Over 100 Belt and Road companies are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with more in the pipeline.
“The true currency of the Belt and Road is, after all, trust. It is what Hong Kong can seamlessly deliver as a global gateway for capital,” Lee stressed.
The BRI Summit was also told Hong Kong is an ideal two-way springboard for Mainland enterprises expanding overseas, and for international companies looking to enter the Mainland market.
“The BRI is ultimately about building bridges – not just across continents, but also into a brighter future,” Lee added.
This year’s Belt and Road Summit will explore fresh potential arising from new patterns of regional cooperation in trade, investment, and development among Belt and Road and other markets, particularly ASEAN, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Presenting insights from nearly 100 distinguished policymakers and business leaders, new multifaceted thematic showcases, and business matching activities, this year’s Summit offers a wealth of knowledge, extensive networks, and quality investment and business opportunities, facilitated through Hong Kong, the global business platform that connects the Chinese Mainland and the world.
