By: Staff Writer
October 15, Colombo (LNW): In a strategic move to enhance trade relations with Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom has launched a series of initiatives aimed at deepening economic ties between the two nations.
The British government has introduced several programmes and mechanisms to facilitate trade and streamline processes for Sri Lankan exporters.
One of the most significant steps taken is the implementation of the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). Minister of State for the Department of Business and Trade, Douglas Alexander, recently highlighted in the UK Parliament that the DCTS aims to reduce tariffs and simplify trading regulations for Sri Lankan businesses.
This initiative is designed to create a more accessible trading environment, enabling Sri Lankan exporters to compete more effectively in the global market.
The UK has also been proactive in its efforts to promote trade, investment, trade policy objectives, and export finance in Sri Lanka.
These activities are being coordinated by His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for South Asia, who plays a crucial role in advancing UK-Sri Lanka trade relations. By focusing on these areas, the UK aims to boost its economic presence in Sri Lanka while fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
A key component of the UK’s approach is the emphasis on bilateral discussions. Government officials from both nations engage in regular dialogues through forums such as the annual UK-Sri Lanka Strategic Dialogue.
These meetings serve as a platform to address trade-related issues and identify areas of mutual interest, ultimately aiming to expand business opportunities and strengthen economic cooperation.
Notably, the UK is currently the second-largest export market for Sri Lanka, accounting for approximately USD 1 billion in exports. This statistic underscores the importance of the UK-Sri Lanka trade relationship and highlights the potential for further growth through these new initiatives.
The DCTS, soon to replace the existing Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) framework, represents a tailor-made approach by the UK to help developing countries like Sri Lanka integrate more effectively into the global economy.
This scheme provides zero-duty benefits for over 7,000 eligible product lines from Sri Lanka, offering a significant advantage to its exporters.
The British government’s strategy to boost trade with Sri Lanka involves leveraging a variety of tools, including the DCTS, to cut tariffs and make trading rules more straightforward.
This comprehensive approach is further supported by targeted efforts to promote UK trade and investment in Sri Lanka. By combining these initiatives with ongoing diplomatic engagement, such as the UK-Sri Lanka Strategic Dialogue, the UK aims to build a robust and dynamic trading partnership with Sri Lanka.
