In a significant move to strengthen Sri Lanka–China economic relations, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka within the next two weeks. He will lead a 115-member delegation comprising representatives from 77 Chinese companies across various sectors, Daily Financial Times (Daily FT) reports.
The high-profile visit will coincide with the Sri Lanka-China Trade and Investment Forum to be held on 30 May in Colombo. The event is jointly organized by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka’s Department of Commerce, the Sri Lanka–China Business Council, and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products.
This business forum aims to enhance bilateral trade ties, promote investment opportunities, and facilitate business partnerships between the two nations. The Chinese delegation is expected to engage in one-on-one discussions with Sri Lankan companies to explore collaboration opportunities in a wide range of sectors.
The visiting delegates represent four major chambers in China:
China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products
China Chamber of Commerce of Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products (CFNA)
China International Chamber of Commerce for the Private Sector (CICCPS)
China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles
China has shown strong interest in sourcing several Sri Lankan products, including black tea, nutmeg, cloves, seafood (notably crab), and tropical fruits such as papaya, pineapple, guava, and mango. On the export front, Chinese companies are looking to supply garlic, cumin, fennel, agricultural produce, textiles, and home furnishing goods to the Sri Lankan market.
The forum will also highlight opportunities in the services sector, particularly in clean energy, water treatment, environmental protection, engineering, and construction. Further discussions are expected around Chinese investments in Sri Lanka’s automotive supply chain and tea industry development.
Both countries also emphasized their intention to finalize a comprehensive free trade agreement at the earliest, based on mutual benefit and equality. China committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s sustainable development through investments in green technologies, logistics, and the digital economy.
Additionally, China offered support to boost Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector through training programs in bio-technology, plant breeding, and aquaculture, and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in poverty reduction and rural development.
According to the UN Comtrade database, Sri Lanka’s exports to China reached $261.06 million in 2024, mainly comprising tea, spices, apparel, chemicals, and seafood. Meanwhile, imports from China totaled $4.28 billion, with key products including electronic goods, synthetic fabrics, and rubber-based textiles.
This visit is expected to significantly boost Sri Lanka’s trade prospects and attract fresh Chinese investments, marking a new chapter in the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
