Trade Minister Nalin Fernando met with the Egyptian Ambassador Maged Mosleh on Friday (26) at the trade ministry premises. 

During the meeting, the Ambassador noted that the Sri Lanka-Egypt Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation (JCTEC) would be an excellent platform to enhance bilateral economic ties between the two countries. In response, the minister said that Sri Lanka is considering convening the next session of the JCTEC in June this year.

The ambassador pointed out that Africa is a potential and fast-growing and highly potential market and Sri Lankan exporters can exploit this potential by investing in Egypt. In addition, Sri Lanka has an additional advantage through relatively relaxed rules of origin under a free trade agreement, he added.

During the meeting, Minister Fernando explored the opportunity to import big onion from Egypt, and the ambassador expressed willingness to assist with such imports.

Ambassador Mosleh appreciated the measures taken by the Sri Lankan government to enhance Food security in the country while noting that the Egyptian government has introduced a program called, “Decent Life” to eradicate poverty in Egypt. He suggested that both countries exchange their experiences on poverty eradication.

Both sides discuss ways to enhance the existing trade and economic cooperation between both countries through exhibitions and foreign delegations.