On March 20, 2025, a meeting was held at the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) to discuss enhancing bilateral trade relations between Switzerland and Sri Lanka. The meeting was attended by H.E. Dr. Siri Walt, Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board.
The discussions focused on expanding economic collaboration between the two countries. Mr. Wijesinghe outlined Sri Lanka’s comprehensive Export Development Plan, which aims to boost the country’s export sector. He has emphasized key strategies to be included in the plan such as expanding the product basket, increasing value addition, and reactivation of the Export Development Council of Ministers (EDCM) to identify and address challenges in the export industry.
Mr. Wijesinghe also emphasized the importance of political stability and the new government’s commitment to good governance and transparent procurement processes in bolstering investor confidence. He highlighted that consolidating related institutions under the Ministry of Industries & Entrepreneurship Development was a crucial step toward improving operational efficiency. This streamlined approach is designed to accelerate decision-making, ensuring swift implementation of policies and minimizing delays.