Sri Lanka Eyes Stronger Trade and Investment Ties with Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA – Sri Lanka is eager to deepen its trade and investment relationships with Ethiopia, Ambassador K.K Theshantha Kumarasiri revealed in a recent interview. The ambassador discussed the burgeoning interest among Sri Lankan businesses in the Ethiopian market and the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Addis Chamber and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, aimed at establishing a formal framework for enhancing bilateral trade.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, The ambassador also touched on ongoing initiatives in the construction industry and broader economic sectors, including agriculture and energy. The discussions stem from a recent bilateral meeting between Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, focusing on cooperation in green economy initiatives and climate change mitigation.

Kumarasiri also highlighted Sri Lanka’s “Look Africa” policy initiative, aimed at fostering closer ties with African nations, including Ethiopia, in various economic and environmental sectors. The ambassador underlined the presence of Sri Lankan apparel manufacturing in Ethiopia and the potential for further collaboration in tourism and energy, emphasizing the invitation extended to Ethiopian Airlines to initiate direct flights to Colombo to bolster trade, investment, and tourism between the two nations.