Indo-Sri Lanka FTA has issues but can be resolved, says Indian diplomat
While the bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and India stood at US$4.6 billion in 2014, Karthik Pande, First Secretary, Economics and Commerce, Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, conceded that there are problems with regard to the Free Trade Agreement btween the two countries.
Mr. Pande was speaking at the launch of the 9th Indian Trade Fair that took place in Colombo last week. The fair would be held from May 7 to 9 at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre.
According to Mr. Pande there would be 50 to 60 Indian companies participating. He also expected a large number of Sri Lankan firms to be participating at this fair.
He said that India and Sri Lanka are maintaining very vibrant and strong ties and thus there is a major leap in the bilateral trade between the two countries based on the FTA.
He said that they are well aware that that Sri Lanka has certain problems with regard to the FTA and the authorities on both sides are working together to find a solution. Indian Trade Fair 2015′ is organised by MP Events Lanka and partnered by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
During the event, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce in Sri Lanka together with MP Events Lanka (Pvt) Ltd is also organising the 3rd Indo-Ceylon Economic Dialogue.