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By Nuzla Rizkiya
The Republic of Malta has expressed a special interest to source high-quality rubber from Sri Lanka, the Export Development Board (EDB) said yesterday.
A delegation from Malta, including High Commissioner Ruben Gauci and Honorary Consul Shano Sabar, met with the senior EDB officials last week to discuss strengthening bilateral trade relations between Malta and Sri Lanka.
At the meeting, Gauci had highlighted the potential of Sri Lankan rubber as an entry point into the European market, alongside other high-potential sectors such as IT consulting, education and manufacturing.
“Gauci expressed strong interest in strengthening economic ties and highlighted the potential for Sri Lanka to expand its export portfolio in high-quality products and services. He also emphasised Malta’s strategic advantage as a member of the European Union, offering Sri Lanka a gateway to broader European markets,” the EDB stated.
Discussions at the meeting also explored the potential collaboration in tourism, where the delegation highlighted Malta’s tourism infrastructure and its growing appeal as a destination for leisure and film production, which they opined could complement Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
In response, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe cited Sri Lanka’s strategic positioning as an attractive hub for foreign direct investment and the country’s focus on expanding export capabilities as factors that would facilitate trade relations between the two countries.
“The EDB proposed extending the Maltese delegation’s visit to Sri Lanka to facilitate meetings with the potential business partners and explore further trade opportunities. The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to cooperation and mutual growth,” the EDB said.
According to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade, Malta imported US $ 1.35 million worth of goods from Sri Lanka in 2023, with apparel listed as the major export item from the island.
