Indo-Lanka Chamber Calls for Fast-Tracking Trade Pact with India

The Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry is urging Sri Lanka to act swiftly in finalising a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, taking inspiration from the recently signed UK–India FTA.

Highlighting that the UK deal is set to boost Britain’s economy by £4.8 billion annually, the Chamber said Sri Lanka could benefit even more due to its close cultural, historical, and economic ties with India — its largest trading partner.

The proposed Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), which has been in limbo for years, could pave the way for:

Preferential access to Indian markets 🛒

More investments 💰

Stronger regional value chains 🔗

New job opportunities 👷‍♂️👩‍💼

“In a time of economic recovery, this agreement could be a game-changer,” the Chamber stated, adding that Sri Lanka is far better positioned than the UK geographically to engage deeply with India.

With the UK already reaping early rewards from its FTA with India, the Chamber says it’s high time Sri Lanka overcame political hesitations and prioritised this critical economic opportunity.