In a high-profile diplomatic and commercial visit to Sri Lanka, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao led the largest-ever Chinese business delegation to Colombo, outlining a strategic three-pillar roadmap to boost bilateral trade, expand green and digital investments, and champion multilateral economic cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Speaking at the Sri Lanka–China Trade and Investment Forum 2025, Wang emphasized the “millennium-long friendship” between the two nations and underscored the need to deepen economic engagement amid a shifting global trade environment. He proposed the revival of the dormant China–Sri Lanka Joint Committee for Economic and Trade Cooperation and called for greater participation of Sri Lankan goods—such as Ceylon tea, spices, and apparel—in Chinese consumer markets.

Sri Lanka–China Trade and Investment Forum 2025


The forum, attended by over 115 representatives from 77 Chinese firms, saw robust B2B engagement and the signing of 11 MoUs, including ventures in electric vehicle assembly and agro-processing. Chinese firms also expressed strong interest in Colombo Port City, positioning it as a future regional financial and innovation hub.
Wang called on Chinese companies to invest in green technology, low-carbon industries, and digital innovation zones in Sri Lanka, citing a shared vision for industrial and supply chain cooperation. He also warned against rising global protectionism and reiterated China’s commitment to economic openness and WTO-centric norms.


Sri Lankan officials, including State Minister for Investment Promotion Dilum Amunugama, welcomed China’s engagement, calling it vital to the country’s post-crisis recovery and transition toward an export-driven economy. With bilateral trade hitting a record $5.36 billion in 2024, Sri Lanka is now China’s fastest-growing trade partner in South Asia.
Despite geopolitical sensitivities surrounding China’s strategic footprint in the Indian Ocean region, both nations hailed the forum as a turning point. As Minister Wang concluded, “This is not a one-time event — it’s a new beginning.”

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