Third round of talks to finalise SL-China FTA

By Manjula Fernando

The Third round of negotiations to finalise the proposed Free Trade Agreement( FTA) between China and Sri Lanka is expected to commence shortly.

Chinese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Yi Xianliang told the Sunday Observer that China is backing the early conclusion of talks for an FTA between the two ‘traditional good neighbours’.

During Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent visit to Beijing, which he said, helped the two leaders to reach a broad consensus to develop bilateral ties, both sides have agreed to work towards concluding the negotiations at an early stage. Saying that Beijing was a reliable friend who would always stand by Sri Lanka, the Ambassador said, “No matter what happened at the international fora or in Sri Lanka, China is committed to develop and strengthen relations with Sri Lanka.”

China is the second largest trade partner and import-source of Sri Lanka. It is the largest partner of infrastructure development and the second largest source of tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka.