Washington and Colombo keen to finalise trade agreement early

A Sri Lankan delegation, visiting Washington to discuss the reduction of the 44 percent reciprocal tariff imposed by the latter, met with US Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer at the USTR office in Washington, DC. Both sides agreed to continue discussions with the aim of finalising a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries, the President’s Media Division said yesterday. The meeting took place on 22 April.

The Sri Lankan delegation presented a series of communications to Ambassador Greer, updating him on Sri Lanka’s efforts to address past economic challenges and pursue full economic recovery. The delegation emphasised Sri Lanka’s commitment to working with the US to reduce the trade deficit and lower tariff and non-tariff barriers. Ambassador Greer expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka’s proposals and welcomed the opportunity to negotiate a fair and equitable trade agreement.



Later, the Sri Lankan team met with USTR’s delegation, led by Assistant USTR Brendan Lynch, to further discuss Sri Lanka’s offer. Both parties expressed eagerness to finalise the agreement promptly, PMD said..