SL-Thailand FTA negotiations progressing well; signing expected in March 2024

The fifth round of the Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA) negotiations commenced in Colombo yesterday, the President’s Media Division said in a statement.

International Trade Office Chief Negotiator K.J. Weerasinghe (Leader of Sri Lanka delegation) expressed satisfaction with the progress of the free trade agreement (FTA) discussions, which are proceeding according to the agreed upon timeline. 
The next round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in Thailand, from August 21 to 23, 2023. Three additional rounds are planned to conclude the agreement by February 2024, with the signing expected to happen in March 2024.

During the opening session at Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo, Weerasinghe welcomed the SLTFTA delegation and emphasised the Sri Lankan government’s objective of integrating into the global economy.
Sri Lanka aims to expand its economic reach first within South Asia and then extend further eastward to become part of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). 

Sri Lanka will formally request the member countries of the RCEP to support its application. Given Thailand’s active participation in both the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and RCEP, Sri Lanka will seek Thailand’s support in joining the RCEP.
Trade Negotiations Department Director General and Chief Negotiator of Thailand Arumon Supthaweethum participated in the negotiations virtually. The Thai delegation, including Ambassador of Thailand in Sri Lanka Poj Harnpol and the Sri Lankan delegation, including Senior Advisor to President on International Media Kshenuka Seneviratne, Senior Additional Secretary to President Chandani Wijayawardana,

Weerasinghe and Additional Secretary to President (Deputy Chief Negotiator) S.W.C. Jayamini also attended the event. 
The fifth round of discussions is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday (28).