SL and Indonesia start PTA talks

Sri Lanka and Indonesia yesterday formally launched the negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the two countries. 

At the talks held virtually State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya led the Sri Lanka delegation and Indonesia’s team was led by its Vice Minister of Trade Jerry Sambuaga. The Ministers conveyed that the commencement of the Sri Lanka-Indonesia PTA negotiations would serve as a step towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). 

They agreed that both countries are keen to strengthen bilateral trade relations and achieve meaningful market access under the proposed PTA. The Ministers expressed the hope that the PTA negotiations will be conducted expeditiously and agreed that the first round of negotiations will commence at the earliest mutually agreed date.