‘Sri Lankan economy has now reached a new era’
The growing fears of economic meltdown could result in further
protectionist policies across the globe and could affect free trade, and
Sri Lanka will be happy to play its role in promoting the interests of
the SAARC region.
“After nearly three decades of terrorism, the Sri Lankan economy has
now reached a new era where we have to have a fresh look at our
potential,” said Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen.
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Minister
Bathiudeen |
Minister Bathiudeen was discussing with his officials in Colombo
about the sixth meeting of the SAFTA Ministerial Council that is now in
progress in Islamabad, Pakistan. A special team representing the
Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka has already left for Islamabad on
Sunday 12. Minister Bathiudeen is also scheduled to join the ministerial
level meetiings in Islamabad starting midweek and lead the Sri Lanka
team in signing of the approved SAFTA minutes.
The sixth meeting of SAFTA Ministerial Council in Islamabad will
discuss matters relating to the administration and implementation of the
SAFTA agreement and also aspects relating to trade in services under
SAFTA framework.
The SAFTA Agreement was signed on January 6, 2004 during the Twelfth
SAARC Summit held in Islamabad, Pakistan.
The agreement entered into force on January 1, 2006, and the Trade
Liberalization Programme commenced from July 1, 2006. SAFTA regional
trade was estimated at 5.5% of 2011 world trade.
Total exports in 2011 under SAFTA preferential tariff schemes stood
at $ 1.5 billion.
According to an Asian Development Bank (ADB) study, SAFTA trade could
be strengthened to US $ 85 billion from the current level of $ 10
billion.
Calculations by independent analysts in April 2010, based on data
from the IMF statistical trends of 1996-2008 indicated that Sri Lanka’s
total projected exports to SAARC region will top US $ 1005.95 million in
2015. By 2015 total Intra-SAARC exports are expected to cross US $ 17500
million mark.
“SAFTA has created a better framework and institutional mechanism for
increased intra-regional trade. Sri Lanka’s growing economy, under the
leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, will stand to benefit from
steps towards liberalisation of SAFTA trade just like other consumers in
South Asia” Minister Bathiudeen added.
According to Institute of Policy Studies, Executive Director Dr Saman
Kelegama SAFTA liberalisation will be of benefit to the SAARC region.
“Further liberalisation under SAFTA will help regional consumers
greatly, in the form of low cost products and services,” Dr Kelegama
said.
“Also, SAFTA needs to work towards liberalisation of intra-regional
investment flows so that in turn, trade will be stimulated,” Dr Kelegama
added.
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