The Sri Lankan government is in the final stages of formulating the controversial ECTA trade agreement with India, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Saturday.
The prime minister said they were also reviewing its FTA with China.
“Additionally, we are looking at entering into such partnerships with Singapore, Turkey, USA and Pakistan,” he said.
Mr Wickremesinghe further said that the government would work on regaining the GSP+ trade concessions, just as it did for the recently lifted fisheries export restrictions.
“We plan to work towards regaining GSP Plus in the same manner and are in the process of assuring the international community that Sri Lanka abides by norms and standards expected of a democratic nation. We plan to enter into several bilateral agreements that will empower the economy and drive the country forward,” he said, while blaming the previous government for the restrictions.
“Instead of abiding by these agreements, the Rajapakse Regime preferred to encourage illegal fishing activities, resulting in Sri Lanka becoming isolated and internationally condemned,
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