Sri Lanka Invites Indian Textile And Apparel Businesses To Export 2027 Expo
Sri Lanka has invited Indian buyers, investors and business leaders to participate in Sri Lanka Export 2027, scheduled to be held in Colombo from January 14 to 17, as the island nation seeks to strengthen trade ties and attract investment.
Sri Lankan High Commissioner Mahishini Colonne extended the invitation while speaking at the MIICCIA conference on business opportunities in BIMSTEC countries in New Delhi. Organised by Sri Lanka’s Export Development Board, the expo will bring together Sri Lankan exporters and international buyers and investors.
Colonne highlighted the potential to expand India-Sri Lanka economic cooperation, noting that India is Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner and second-largest export market. Sri Lankan exports to India exceeded US$1 billion last year, registering growth of around 17%, she said.
Colonne said the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, which came into force in 2000, needs to be modernised to reflect evolving business models, regional value chains and digital trade. Greater integration, she added, could make it easier for companies to source inputs, establish production networks and expand market access.
She also highlighted the contribution of Sri Lankan apparel manufacturer Brandix, which has established a manufacturing facility in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, employing more than 20,000 people, mostly women.
