The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has called on its members to help influence the Sri Lankan government’s preparations to sign free trade deals with several countries.
“The Chamber is keen to submit evidence-based, meaningful and progressive recommendations to the government,” it said in a statement.
“We have a unique opportunity to influence the trade policy process of the government; channel industry views on trade liberalisation issues; identify concerns and new opportunities brought on by new agreements; and advocate for tackling key problem areas.”
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce said it is calling for companies to submit substantive inputs on trade policy matters so that the private sector can strengthen its representation with trade negotiators as the government works towards forging a series of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
The most immediate ones are with China and Singapore, and also an enhanced FTA with India.
The Chamber said it has always been supportive of mutually beneficial trade agreements, and has held the view that such agreements need to be forged following transparent and broadbased consultations with the private sector.
“The CCC, which is closely engaged with key high-level trade consultative committees, welcomes the government’s ongoing efforts to incorporate private sector views in its deliberations.”