Thailand, Sri Lanka eye 1.5 billion USD in trade by 2020
President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha have reaffirmed their commitment to raise two-way trade to 1.5 billion USD by 2020, along with achieving a trade balance.
President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha (L) (Source: colombopage.com)
Hanoi (VNA) – President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena and ThaiPrime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha have reaffirmed their commitment to raisetwo-way trade to 1.5 billion USD by 2020, along with achieving a trade balance.
They also agreed on the need to enhance investment flowsbetween the two countries during their talks within the framework of the ThaiPM’s official visit to Sri Lanka from July 12-13, “The Colombo Page” reported.
According to a joint press statement, the two leaders hadbilateral discussions on July 12, covering a wide range of issues includingpolitical, economic, technical, agricultural, fisheries, cultural, religious,tourism, as well as regional and multilateral cooperation.
They took this occasion to announce the launch of theThailand - Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. Both sidesexpressed confidence in attaining envisaged trade target through thiscomprehensive instrument. The first round of negotiations was held on 13 July2018 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
After the talks, the leaders witnessed the signing of fourmemoranda of understanding on cooperation in several fields.
This was the first visit to Sri Lanka of PM PrayutChan-o-cha. It is expected to boost bilateral collaboration in trade andinvestment, technology, religious affairs, culture and tourism.-VNA
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President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha (L) (Source: colombopage.com) 
