Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe is scheduled to attend the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Trade Policy Review (TPR) of Sri Lanka, as well as the 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XVI).

These high-level sessions will be held from October 15 to 23 in Geneva, Switzerland, with the Minister accompanied by a Sri Lankan delegation.

This will be the first Trade Policy Review conducted since the new government assumed office, and it forms part of the WTO’s regular process to evaluate and ensure the transparency and effectiveness of trade policies across its member states. During this review, member nations will discuss Sri Lanka’s trade policy framework, progress, and reforms.

Minister Samarasinghe is expected to chair the sessions where Sri Lanka’s trade developments and economic outlook will be presented and discussed with other WTO member states.

The Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development highlighted the importance of this review, noting that it comes at a pivotal moment as Sri Lanka refocuses on economic recovery and export-driven growth. The review offers a critical platform to demonstrate the country’s economic progress, positive policy shifts, and future strategic direction.

While in Geneva, the Minister will also participate in the Ministerial Conference of UNCTAD XVI, the highest decision-making forum within UNCTAD, which includes all member states of the United Nations. This global forum, held once every four years, addresses key trade and development issues affecting countries worldwide.

This year’s conference will be held under the theme: “Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development.”