The Sri Lanka–Korea Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently hosted an awareness session titled “Doing Business with South Korea”, bringing together key stakeholders to explore opportunities for strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea.

The event was graced by Her Excellency Miyon Lee, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka, along with officials from the Embassy including Ms. Eunji Kang, Deputy Head of Mission and Mr. Minwoo Jo, Research Officer.

The session featured a distinguished panel of resource persons comprising Mr. Lee Kyungseok, Director General of Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA); Mr. Charitha Yattogoda, Head of Trade at the Department of Commerce Sri Lanka; Mr. Jagath Abeywarna, Head of the Rules of Origin Division; Mrs. Chandima Abeyratna, Minister Counsellor (Commercial) of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in South Korea who joined the session virtually and Mr. Kasun Balasooriya, newly appointed Commercial Officer designated to South Korea. Ms. Lee Yoo Li, Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), also attended as an invitee.

The session provided an overview of bilateral trade and investment relations, while highlighting potential export opportunities to South Korea by identifying high-potential sectors for Sri Lankan exporters. It also explored emerging trends and future prospects for Sri Lankan products, along with the effective utilization of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA). In addition, guidelines on eligibility and compliance under APTA were outlined, offering practical insights for businesses seeking to enter and expand in the Korean market.

The event was well attended by importers, exporters, and SMEs representing a diverse range of sectors.

In her address, Ambassador Miyon Lee acknowledged the Sri Lanka–Korea Business Council as a long-standing partner of Korean companies and commended the resilience of the Sri Lankan people in the face of recent challenges. She highlighted progress made by Sri Lanka in economic stabilization, institutional reforms and anti-corruption efforts, describing these developments as encouraging for investors. The Ambassador emphasized the importance of enhancing an investment-friendly environment, supporting ongoing Korean business projects, and identifying promising areas for future cooperation.

She further underscored the significance of streamlining Sri Lanka’s tariff structure and expanding Free Trade Agreements with major trading partners. Referring to Sri Lanka’s comprehensive national tariff policy, she noted that such reforms would help reduce protectionism, enhance competitiveness, and integrate the country into global value chains. She also expressed hope for the timely implementation of the National Single Window system and full compliance with commitments under the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement and intellectual property obligations under World Intellectual Property Organization.

The Ambassador also highlighted Sri Lanka’s interest in joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), noting that participation would provide access to a broader Asian market while emphasizing the need for strong bilateral engagement with individual member countries. She encouraged businesses to fully utilize existing agreements such as APTA and other preferential arrangements, stressing that Free Trade Agreements are not only about market access but also about strengthening domestic industries and improving competitiveness.

Addressing the gathering, Shamil Mendis, President of the Sri Lanka–Korea Business Council, highlighted the importance of Sri Lankan businesses focusing on the East Asian market. He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to fostering stronger trade, investment, and business ties between Sri Lanka and South Korea, noting that the Council will continue to serve as a platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and mutual growth.

The session concluded with interactive discussions, reflecting strong interest from the business community in expanding trade and investment linkages with South Korea.

Seated from Left-Right: Mr. Jagath Abeywarna - Head of the Rules of Origin Division of Department of Commerce Sri Lanka, Mr. Charitha Yattogoda - Head of Trade at the Department of Commerce Sri Lanka, Mr. Shamil Mendis- President of SLKBC, Mr. Lee Kyungseok - Director General of Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), Mr. Kasun Balasooriya- Newly appointed Commercial Officer designated to South Korea,

On Screen - Mrs. Chandima Abeyratna, Minister Counsellor (Commercial) of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in South Korea

Image Caption : Seated from Left-Right: Mr. Kasun Balasooriya- Newly appointed Commercial Officer designated to South Korea, Mr. Jagath Abeywarna - Head of the Rules of Origin Division of Department of Commerce Sri Lanka, Mr. Charitha Yattogoda - Head of Trade at the Department of Commerce Sri Lanka, Mr. Shamil Mendis- President of SLKBC, Her Excellency Miyon Lee- Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka, Mr. Lee Kyungseok - Director General of Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), Mrs. Patali Karunarathne – Senior Vice President of SLKBC.