The National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka Expresses Readiness to Cooperate with Uzbekistan

Alisher Tukhtaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Sri Lanka (with residence in Islamabad), held a meeting via videoconference with Anura Warnakulasuriya, Chairman of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka.

At the beginning of the meeting, the head of the diplomatic mission provided detailed information about the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan, the favorable conditions being created for foreign companies and entrepreneurs, as well as the steadily developing bilateral relations.

During the meeting, the parties focused on further intensifying trade and economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Sri Lanka, establishing direct contacts between business communities, and developing practical mechanisms for cooperation in promising areas.

In particular, agriculture, the textile industry, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and tourism were identified as priority areas of cooperation. It was also emphasized that organizing B2B-format meetings involving entrepreneurs operating in these sectors is important.

Enhancing cooperation in the tourism sector became one of the central topics of the negotiations. The Sri Lankan side was provided with information about Uzbekistan’s rich tourism potential, its unique historical and cultural heritage, as well as the simplified visa regime introduced for Sri Lankan citizens traveling to Uzbekistan.

Anura Warnakulasuriya, Chairman of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, подчеркнул that strengthening cooperation with Uzbekistan in trade, economic, transport, and tourism sectors is beneficial for both sides. According to him, Sri Lankan entrepreneurs who are members of the Chamber are showing great interest in investing in Uzbekistan.

In addition, a proposal was put forward to organize the participation of Uzbek representatives in the “Sri Lanka Expo-2026” exhibition, which is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka on June 18–21 this year.

“We are planning in the near future to organize a visit of a delegation of companies that are members of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka to Uzbekistan, as well as to hold business forums and roundtable discussions dedicated to economic cooperation,” said Anura Warnakulasuriya. “Such events will serve as an effective platform for establishing strong partnerships between the business communities of the two countries, exchanging experience, and implementing new joint investment projects.”

In conclusion, the issues discussed and the initiatives put forward during this meeting will create a solid foundation for further strengthening trade, economic, investment, and tourism ties between Uzbekistan and Sri Lanka, as well as for the consistent development of mutually beneficial cooperation in the future.