Sri Lanka’s Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunneththi, held talks with Michael Otter, Director General of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WKO), in April in Vienna, with discussions centring on strengthening bilateral trade, industrial partnerships, and technical cooperation.
The meeting, held during the Minister’s participation in the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum (IVECF) 2026, aimed at positioning Sri Lanka as a premier destination for sustainable industrial investment and transparent economic governance.
According to the Embassy and the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Vienna, during the discussions, the Minister highlighted Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and reform while stressing Sri Lanka–Austria trade, the current export
strengths to Austria, priority sectors for expanding markets, and strengthening business-to-business linkages.
In addition to that, Minister Handunneththi briefed on the investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, indicating the nine specialized industrial zones designed to attract high‐tech investment. Both sides also discussed a strategic shift toward high‐value addition and the optimization of EU GSP+ benefits.
Director General Michael Otter welcomed these developments, highlighting a high‐level Austrian Trade Mission to Sri Lanka scheduled for mid‐September 2026 as a significant opportunity for deepened cooperation.
In turn, Minister Handunneththi extended a formal invitation for Austrian participation in Sri Lanka Expo 2026, scheduled to take place in Colombo. The event is expected to feature over 750 exhibitors and host more than 1,500 international buyers.
The visit reflects the commitment of both nations to deepening engagement in trade and industry. Sri Lanka remains dedicated to advancing this partnership with Austria to ensure sustainable economic growth and technological advancement for both countries.
Regional Director for Asia and Oceania of the WKO, Markus Haas, and Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Austria, Mahesh Gunawardana, also participated in the meeting. (Newswire)