In a significant step toward strengthening bilateral trade and economic collaboration, the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, Semih Lütfü Turgut, engaged in high-level discussions with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) to explore new avenues for cooperation and investment between the two nations.
The meeting, held at the EDB headquarters, brought together key representatives from both parties, reinforcing a shared commitment to deepen trade relations and unlock mutually beneficial opportunities.
Ambassador Turgut was accompanied by Gamze Ercan, Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of Türkiye in Colombo. Representing the EDB were Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe, Director General Champika Dharmasena, and senior officials including Dr. Sanjeewa Rathnasekara (Trade Facilitation and Trade Information), Saumya Kannangara (Market Development), Indumini Kodikara (Export Services), and Kumudunie Mudalige (Policy and Strategic Planning).
Welcoming the Turkish delegation, Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe provided a comprehensive overview of Sri Lanka’s export landscape, key industry sectors, and the ongoing initiatives undertaken by the EDB to promote trade. He also emphasized the importance of enhancing Sri Lanka Türkiye trade relations and outlined the potential for increased cooperation.
Ambassador Turgut expressed his keen interest in strengthening institutional relationships and enhancing market access for both countries. Notably, he highlighted the prominence of Ceylon Tea as a major export from Sri Lanka to Türkiye and discussed ways to improve trade flow in this sector.
Commercial Counsellor Gamze Ercan offered insights into Türkiye’s economic landscape and elaborated on the existing bilateral trade framework. She also provided valuable information on upcoming trade fairs and exhibitions in Türkiye, inviting greater participation from Sri Lankan exporters.
The discussions touched on a range of high-potential sectors including textiles and apparel, gems and jewellery, agriculture and fisheries, rubber, transport and logistics, and ICT. Both sides explored opportunities to strengthen supply chains and improve air cargo connectivity through Turkish Cargo and SriLankan Airlines paving the way for more efficient trade logistics.
Reaffirming the EDB’s commitment to empowering Sri Lankan exporters, Chairman Wijesinghe expressed readiness to collaborate more closely with Turkish authorities and trade bodies. He emphasized the EDB’s proactive role in facilitating business to business connections and promoting Sri Lankan products in global markets.
Key outcomes of the meeting included a mutual agreement to enhance trade information sharing, support upcoming joint trade events, and encourage greater business engagement between both countries’ private sectors.
This meeting marks an important milestone in advancing Sri Lanka Türkiye economic relations, laying the groundwork for increased trade, investment, and collaborative ventures in the years to come.
