Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka proposed the creation of a Joint Economic Council with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to enhance trade and investment ties.
This proposal was divulged during a meeting in Colombo between the Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Dinesh Gunawardena, and the UAE’s Minister of State of Economic & Trade Affairs, Ahmed bin Ali Sayegh.
The UAE Minister agreed to begin official discussions to conclude the Cooperation of Economic Partnership Agreement, seeing the potential in various sectors, including trade, energy, hospitality, tourism, and renewables in Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister Gunawardena pointed out UAE’s potential investment in agriculture, especially in the new economic zones.
He also thanked the UAE for its support and for employing around 300,000 Sri Lankans, with the UAE Minister highlighting the importance of Sri Lankan expatriates in both economies.
Attendees included members of the UAE delegation, MP Yadamini Gunawardena, Secretary Ranjith Ashoka, and Additional Secretary Harsha Wijewardene.
