November 2, 2023
1 min read

Delhi, Colombo Resume Talks For Economic & Tech Agreement

On the proposed ETCA, both sides agreed on the need to build on progress made in the past while revisiting their positions wherever possible to reflect new developments…reports Asian Lite News

India and Sri Lanka held the 12th round of negotiations on the Ecobomic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Wednesday.

The three-day meeting was held from October 30 to November 1 in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo.

According to an official statement, the two countries had 11 rounds of bilateral talks from 2016 to 2018 but then the negotiations were paused.

The Sri Lankan delegation was led by KJ Weerasinghe, Chief Negotiator and the Indian delegation was led by Shri Anant Swarup, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Government & Chief Negotiator.

During this round, both sides took stock of the progress made till the 11th round and engaged in discussions on various chapters, including Trade in Goods, Technical Barriers to Trade, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Trade in Services, Custom Procedure & Trade Facilitation, Rules of Origin, Trade Remedies, Economic & Technology Cooperation and Dispute Settlement. Both sides identified areas of convergence and areas where they need to find creative solutions, the statement said.

Additionally, both sides reviewed the progress on implementation and decided to drop nine issues as being resolved. Issues such as the quota on apparel and pepper and the procurement of pharmaceuticals were also discussed and both sides decided to continue the discussion and explore new options for resolution of the matter.

On the proposed ETCA, both sides agreed on the need to build on progress made in the past while revisiting their positions wherever possible to reflect new developments.

Moreover, the Ministry said that the conclusion of the negotiations is expected to open new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation for both countries.

The India-Sri Lanka ETCA will be a pivotal move to further enhance bilateral trade between the two countries. Both sides acknowledged the huge potential of the India-Sri Lanka trade partnership and the possibilities for enhanced economic relations in areas of mutual interest. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Lanka Engages Multilateral Agencies for Economic Recovery Talks

Previous Story

France to Support India’s Smart Cities Mission

Next Story

India Plans Opening CBSE Office in Dubai

Latest from -Top News

Ould Tah to head AfDB

Tah, a seasoned economist and development financier, will formally assume office on 1 September 2025, taking over from Nigeria’s Dr. Akinwumi Adesina Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania has been elected as the

Big pay bump for SA workers

The landmark move, which follows months of intense negotiations with trade unions, is expected to benefit millions of civil servants across national and provincial departments. South Africa’s government has confirmed a sweeping

Deadly floods ravage Nigeria

Triggered by torrential rains and the collapse of a nearby dam on May 28, 2025, the floods have submerged vast areas, destroyed infrastructure, and displaced thousands of residents. The death toll from

Piyush Goyal Begins Europe Visit

As part of the visit, the minister will meet top leadership of major French companies such as Vicat, Total Energies, L’Oreal, Renault, Valeo, EDF and ATR….reports Asian Lite News Union Minister of

Call to Greylist Pakistan Over Terror Links

Freddy Svane, the former Danish Ambassador to India, said that it is high time for the world to acknowledge that Pakistan remains the epicentre of terrorism in the region….reports Asian Lite News
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Temperatures drop in the national capital

A patient from Bihar said that they have provided blankets

‘AAP to fight Delhi assembly polls on its own’

Rai had also told reporters that opposition parties had come