Indian Commerce Minister in town

India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman and a delegation of high ranking officials arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday.

During the three-day visit to the island, Minister Sitharaman is scheduled to hold discussions with the Sri Lankan Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrama and other state representatives.

During discussions, views will be exchanged between the two countries regarding trade affairs and transportation as well as power and energy agreements and foreign affairs.

Minister Samarawickrama will also discuss the proposed Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with the Indian Minister of Commerce.

A ministerial press release noted that the second round of discussions on ETCA will be held in New Delhi on 29 and 30 September.

Minister Sitharaman was scheduled to visit Sri Lanka on 25 August for a short visit at the invitation of Minister Samarawickrama but the visit was cancelled due to the pressing engagements of the Indian Minister.