British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick has stated that the United Kingdom’s new trade measures will create a mutually beneficial situation for both Sri Lanka and the UK. Speaking on the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), he encouraged Sri Lankan exporters to take greater advantage of the trade preferences being offered.
“This is a win for the Sri Lankan garment sector and for UK consumers. With the UK being Sri Lanka’s second-largest export market, and garments accounting for over 60% of that trade, manufacturers here will no doubt welcome this announcement,” he said.
The High Commissioner further emphasised the UK’s intention to support Sri Lanka in expanding its export portfoliounder the DCTS beyond the garment industry. He noted that the simplification of rules of origin across multiple sectors presents new opportunities for Sri Lankan exporters.
“We want Sri Lanka to improve the utilisation of the UK’s DCTS for a wider range of goods, not just garments,” he added.
Highlighting the Sri Lankan government’s ambition to boost exports, Patrick stressed the UK’s continued support in fostering shared prosperity between the two nations.
The DCTS is part of the UK’s post-Brexit trade strategy aimed at strengthening economic ties with developing countries by offering preferential access to the British market, thereby encouraging sustainable economic growth.
