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Sri Lanka Plans Trade Pact with China and Trade Outreach to UAE

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced plans to establish new free trade agreements and revise existing deals during the 2027 Budget Speech in Parliament. Sri Lanka is actively exploring a trade pact with China and extending trade outreach to the United Arab Emirates and Oman. A dedicated committee has also been appointed to oversee the expansion of the country's existing free trade pact with India.

Published Source: Hiru News
Issuing authority
President of Sri Lanka
Jurisdiction
Sri Lanka
Publication date
November 12, 2026
Stage
Draft / consultation
Official document
2027 Budget Speech
Official source
news.google.com
Illustration: A modern container cargo port terminal with large quayside cranes, stacks of shipping containers, and a commercial vessel docked by the
Illustration

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the administration intends to establish new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and revise existing pacts, Hiru News reported. The move is part of a broader national strategy to broaden Sri Lanka's global trade and investment horizons.

Delivering the 2027 Budget Speech in Parliament, the President stated that the government is prioritising stronger economic ties with key partners such as China and India, while also extending trade outreach to the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

President Dissanayake confirmed that Sri Lanka is actively exploring a new trade pact with China. He also noted that a dedicated committee has already been appointed to oversee the expansion of the current FTA with India.

According to the President, expanding international trade partnerships is vital for improving overseas market access, attracting foreign investment, and driving trade-led economic growth amid shifting global economic conditions.

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