The Sri Lanka–China Trade and Investment Forum 2025 convened today in Colombo, marking a significant milestone in bilateral economic cooperation between the two nations. The high-level event brought together more than 115 senior delegates representing 77 leading Chinese enterprises, alongside prominent figures from Sri Lanka’s public and private sectors.
Co-hosted 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 (CCCME), the Forum underscored growing momentum in trade and investment relations.
The Forum was inaugurated in the presence of several key dignitaries, including Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development; H.E. Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China; H.E. Qi Zhenhong, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka; and Mr. Krishan Balendra, Vice Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
In his welcome address, Minister Fernando reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s longstanding friendship with China, describing bilateral ties as rooted in “shared values, mutual respect, and an enduring trajectory of economic collaboration.” He also referenced the recent 8th Session of the China–Sri Lanka Joint Committee on Economic and Trade Cooperation, highlighting its role in advancing trade and investment dialogue.
Minister Wang Wentao emphasized China’s readiness to support Sri Lanka’s development path, calling for expanded economic cooperation and deeper integration into multilateral trading systems to promote resilience and sustainability.
Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Balendra reiterated the Chamber’s commitment to fostering cross-border partnerships. “We are building a business environment grounded in transparency, predictability, and sustainability,” he said.
The visiting Chinese business delegation included representatives from four major trade organizations: CCCME; the China Chamber of Commerce of Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products; the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles; and the China International Chamber of Commerce for the Private Sector. Delegates expressed strong interest in forming strategic partnerships across diverse sectors.
The Forum also featured targeted B2B meetings and sector-focused discussions on investment opportunities in areas such as the automotive value chain, tea plantations, renewable energy, clean technology, engineering, construction, and water treatment.
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