General
Sri Lanka, India discuss to resume ETCA negotiations
ECOJOMYNEXT – The Chief Negotiators of Sri Lanka and India held talks to resume Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) negotiations years after it was stopped following political-led opposition in 2016.
“The Chief Negotiators of Sri Lanka and India recently held a virtual meeting on September 19th to discuss the resumption of Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) negotiations,” the President’s Media Division said in a statement.
“This marks the continuation of talks after 11 previous rounds of negotiations.”
Both South Asian neighbour already have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in place with India is earning more foreign exchange in the trade.
Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa-led nationalist Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party and some of professional bodies backing the party opposed the ETCA when it was scheduled to be signed.
Later, the signing was postponed, but never took place.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe is backed by the SLPP after mass protested against the party and Rajapaksa family members forced them out of the offices.
Analysts say ETCA was used for political mileage by SLPP triggering an anti-Indian sentiment when it was the opposition without properly assessing its threats and opportunities.
The SLPP-led government under ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa also unilaterally suspended an FTA signed with Singapore, citing that it was a threat for Sri Lanka’s service.
Data, however, show Sri Lanka has gained from the FTA with India.
India was Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner with an overall bilateral merchandise trade of $ 5.45 billion in 2021.
Sri Lankan exports to India have increased since 2000 when the FTA came into force. (Colombo/September 23/3023)
