Sri Lanka calls for stronger Maldives trade ties beyond traditional sectors

Sri Lanka has called for deeper economic cooperation with the Maldives by expanding bilateral trade and investment beyond traditional sectors, highlighting untapped opportunities in tourism, food trade, healthcare, education and emerging industries.

Addressing the 18th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council in Colombo on Tuesday, Sri Lanka's Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, said the two Indian Ocean neighbours should build on their longstanding relationship by exploring new areas of collaboration.

Describing the Maldives and Sri Lanka as close partners with strong people-to-people and economic ties, the Minister noted that both countries benefit significantly from trade and tourism.

According to the Minister, Sri Lanka exported goods worth USD 132 million to the Maldives in 2025, while imports from the Maldives totalled around USD 5 million. Insulated wire and cable were among Sri Lanka's leading exports to the Maldives.

Samarasinghe said previous discussions on strengthening bilateral trade should continue with renewed momentum, encouraging businesses in both countries to diversify beyond conventional trade.

He reaffirmed the Sri Lankan Government's commitment to maintaining a stable, transparent and investor-friendly business environment, stressing that sustainable economic growth depends on close collaboration between governments and the private sector.

The Minister identified several sectors with potential for increased bilateral trade, including fresh fruits, vegetables, wheat flour, black tea, tea packaging, electrical conductors, nuts and seeds, processed food products, and cooperation in the Maldives' canned fish industry.

He also highlighted opportunities to strengthen collaboration in tourism, hospitality, holistic medicine, education and healthcare.

The Maldives was Sri Lanka's 16th largest source market for tourist arrivals in 2025, contributing more than 37,000 visitors, according to the Minister.

Samarasinghe further called on the Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council to expand its engagement with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and emerging industries, saying the future growth of both economies will be driven not only by established businesses but also by entrepreneurs, innovators and the next generation of business leaders.