Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath, recently informed the Indonesian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dewi Gustina Tobing that the government hopes to swiftly conclude the ongoing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) negotiations with Indonesia. This communication took place during a discussion held between Ambassador Tobing and Minister Herath on the 2nd of this month.
Minister Herath also expressed his appreciation for the long-standing friendly relations between Sri Lanka and Indonesia, emphasizing that the government would work towards further strengthening this bond.
“Sri Lanka and Indonesia agree to expand Economic Cooperation”
Ambassador Tobing highlighted that Indonesia exports mineral resources such as nickel as raw materials. She proposed forming an alliance of countries that export mineral sands and other minerals to collectively export value-added mineral products to other nations. Minister Herath agreed to explore bilateral cooperation with Indonesia in the future to acquire the necessary technology and equipment to export Sri Lanka’s mineral resources as value-added products.
Furthermore, Ambassador Tobing expressed Indonesia’s willingness to collaborate with Sri Lanka on electric bus manufacturing, noting that Indonesia has become a hub for electric vehicle production. She also informed Minister Herath that the Indonesian government is keen to partner with Sri Lanka in agricultural sectors such as rice, maize, sugar, and fisheries, given Indonesia’s advancements and surplus production in these areas.
Finally, Ambassador Tobing conveyed Indonesia’s expectation for Sri Lanka’s participation in the upcoming Bandung Conference, which will mark the 70th anniversary of the historic Bandung Conference held in Indonesia. Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism also participated in this discussion.
