Key investment and Trade Agreements under negotiation

[Friday, February 01, 2008 - 5.05 GMT]  

Since the commencement of the year 2008, Sri Lanka has been engaged in a series of negotiations in trade and investment agreements with key countries from within and outside the region, a Foreign Ministry statement said.

The 11^th round of Technical Level Negotiations with India on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Sri Lanka and India was held from January 2 – 4 in Colombo.  Also the 2^nd Review Meeting of the Pakistan – Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement and First Round of Technical Level Negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Pakistan was held on January 24 – 25 in Colombo. 

In the meantime, the First Round of Negotiations on an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement with Kuwait was concluded at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo on January 30 and the two Parties have agreed to convene the next round of negotiations early with a view to finalizing the Agreement. 

The Sri Lanka – Kuwait negotiations will be followed by negotiations on a Sri Lanka – Jordan Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, from February   6-7.

Sri Lanka Embassies in Kuwait and Jordan have actively pursued the convening of these negotiations with relevant authorities in the respective capitals.

Sri Lanka has so far concluded over 26 Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements.  The Agreements are designed to create a conducive legal environment to generate the flow of foreign capital.