On December 27, 2024, His Excellency Ruben Gauci, High Commissioner of the Republic of Malta to India and Sri Lanka, met with Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and CEO of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), at the EDB premises to discuss ways to enhance bilateral trade relations between Malta and Sri Lanka. Mr. Shano Sabar, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Malta to Sri Lanka, and senior EDB officials also attended the meeting.

H.E. Gauci expressed strong interest in strengthening economic ties and highlighted the potential for Sri Lanka to expand its export portfolio in high-quality products and services. He also emphasized Malta’s strategic advantage as a member of the European Union, offering Sri Lanka a gateway to broader European markets.

Mr. Wijesinghe responded by outlining Sri Lanka's positioning as an attractive hub for foreign direct investment (FDI). He cited political stability, policy continuity, and the new government’s commitment to good governance and transparent procurement processes as key factors enhancing investor confidence. The Chairman emphasized Sri Lanka's strategic focus on expanding export capabilities and fostering trade relationships with potential partners like Malta.

The discussions highlighted Sri Lanka’s strengths in key sectors, including Information Technology Consulting (ITC), education, boat building, rubber sector and manufacturing. Mr. Wijesinghe also emphasized the country's global reputation for producing premium products such as rubber, spices, electronic goods, gemstones, and jewelry. He noted that while Ceylon tea remains a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s exports, there is a growing focus on diversifying into high-potential sectors.

H.E. Gauci reaffirmed Malta’s interest in sourcing specific high-quality products from Sri Lanka, particularly rubber, for both domestic use and value-added processing. He noted that such products could serve as an entry point for Sri Lankan goods into the European market, further strengthening bilateral trade relations.

The meeting also explored opportunities in tourism. Both countries recognized the potential for collaboration in the hospitality sector. H.E. Gauci highlighted Malta’s robust tourism infrastructure and its growing appeal as a destination for leisure and film production, which could complement Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

The EDB proposed extending the Maltese delegation’s visit to Sri Lanka to facilitate meetings with potential business partners and explore further trade opportunities. This initiative, they believe, would serve as a catalyst for enhancing trade relations and fostering new business partnerships.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to cooperation and mutual growth. The discussions, which coincided with the forthcoming 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Malta, marked a significant step toward deepening economic ties between the two nations.