Sri Lanka and the United States have agreed to continue discussions aimed at finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries in the shortest possible time period.
A Sri Lankan delegation met with U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on Tuesday at the U.S. Trade Representative Office in Washington D.C. Issuing a statement on the discussions held on reciprocal tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Sri Lankan exports, the Sri Lankan Government said the delegation updated Ambassador Greer on the economic challenges Sri Lanka has faced and outlined the measures being taken to recover and achieve stability.
The delegation highlighted the Government’s commitment to reducing the trade deficit with the U.S. and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers, emphasizing the importance of fair and equitable trade. On the instructions of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who also serves as the Minister of Finance, the Sri Lankan officials handed over original communications addressed to Ambassador Greer, proposing the commencement of negotiations. Ambassador Greer welcomed the proposals and expressed optimism about reaching an agreement soon.
Later the same day, the Sri Lankan delegation met with the USTR team appointed by Ambassador Greer, led by Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch, and Director for South Asia, Emily Ashby. The two sides continued discussions on Sri Lanka’s written trade offer and reaffirmed their mutual intention to finalize the agreement promptly.
The U.S. Trade Representative’s Office, which is responsible for developing and coordinating international trade policy, will continue working closely with Sri Lanka to achieve a comprehensive agreement that supports stronger economic ties between the two nations.
