Sri Lanka and New Zealand Strengthen Trade Ties Ahead of Sri Lanka Expo 2026

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) recently held a high-level virtual meeting with the High Commission of New Zealand in Sri Lanka, High Commission of Sri Lanka in New Zealand, and representatives of the Sri Lankan business community in New Zealand to promote greater participation at Sri Lanka Expo 2026 and to explore avenues for enhanced bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman/CEO of the EDB. Delivering the welcome remarks, he emphasized the importance of strengthening economic relations between Sri Lanka and New Zealand and highlighted the strategic value of Sri Lanka Expo 2026 as a platform to expand market access and attract foreign buyers and investors.

The event was attended by H.E. David Pine, High Commissioner of New Zealand to Sri Lanka, as well as representatives of the Sri Lanka Business Association in New Zealand. H.E. Prasanna Gamage, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to New Zealand, also extended support for strengthening commercial linkages between the two countries.

In his presentation, Mr. Wijesinghe noted that Sri Lanka Expo 2026 presents a unique opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka’s diverse export strengths, ranging from value-added agricultural products and apparel to rubber-based products, processed foods, ICT services, and emerging technology solutions. He underscored the Expo’s objective of positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive, reliable, and sustainable sourcing destination in the global marketplace.

Highlighting the current trade relationship, he stated that Sri Lanka’s exports to New Zealand reached approximately USD 31.24 million in 2025. Key export products included Ceylon tea, textiles and garments, rubber products, and edible preparations. While New Zealand currently ranks as Sri Lanka’s 52nd export destination, the EDB believes there is significant untapped potential to diversify the export basket and expand bilateral trade volumes.

H.E. David Pine commended the initiative to engage the New Zealand business community and reiterated the importance of strengthening commercial partnerships between the two countries. He welcomed efforts to facilitate greater awareness of Sri Lanka Expo 2026 among New Zealand importers, investors, and trade associations.

Representatives of the Sri Lankan business community in New Zealand briefly introduced themselves and expressed their willingness to support outreach efforts, promote participation at the Expo, and encourage business delegations to visit Sri Lanka during the event.

During the discussion session, participants exchanged views on priority sectors for collaboration, including agribusiness, technology partnerships, sustainable manufacturing, and value-added food products. The meeting also explored potential joint ventures and investment opportunities that could enhance value chains in both markets.

Concluding the meeting, Mr. Wijesinghe expressed appreciation to H.E. David Pine and the New Zealand business representatives as well as the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Zealand for their active engagement and reaffirmed the EDB’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders to ensure strong New Zealand representation at Sri Lanka Expo 2026.

The discussions marked another positive step toward deepening Sri Lanka–New Zealand trade relations and underscored the shared commitment of both countries to fostering stronger economic partnerships in the lead-up to Sri Lanka Expo 2026.

Source: Adaderana