The Deputy Minister made these remarks while attending as the chief guest at the 'Top German Brands-2026 The Ball Edition' event, jointly organised in Colombo by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) and the German Embassy.

He said that following the difficult economic conditions experienced in the recent past, the country has now achieved economic stability, and the government aims to implement the reforms necessary to accelerate economic growth in the coming period.

Key Highlights

  • Preparations to remove trade barriers and enter into new trade agreements by 2029
  • Plans to take 300 to 400 small and medium-sized enterprises to the international market
  • Focus on high technology and high value-added production instead of low labour costs

New trade agreements and support for small businesses

Pointing out the need to strengthen international market linkages to expand the export economy, the Deputy Minister emphasised the need to remove existing trade barriers and expand opportunities for new trade agreements by 2029.

He also noted that a programme is being implemented through the ministry to direct between 300 and 400 local small and medium-sized industries to the international market, and that the cooperation of international partners, including German businesses, is expected to secure the necessary technology and financial management expertise.

Technology and infrastructure development

It was highlighted that Germany's cooperation is vital in moving beyond low-cost labour manufacturing towards advanced technology and high-value-added industrial production. It was also stated that the government has focused on expanding infrastructure as well as port and airport capacity to support this effort.

The event was attended by German Ambassador Dr. Felix Neumann, Chief Delegate of AHK Sri Lanka Martin Klose, and Sri Lanka Ports Authority Chairman Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake, among others.

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