Sri Lanka has renewed its focus on increasing tea exports to India, hoping to enhance economic ties and open up new trade opportunities. Under the current free trade agreement, the island nation, known internationally for its premium Ceylon tea, is allowed to export up to 15 million kilogrammes to India each year. Despite the preferential quota, Sri Lanka has not been able to utilise the concession fully.
At a trade interaction organised by the World Trade Centre in Mumbai on Wednesday, Sri Lanka’s Consul (Commercial), Shirani Ariyarathne, highlighted the need to enhance bilateral trade. She said that, while Sri Lankan tea has a distinct market sector in India, its potential has remained largely untapped. Ariyarathne underlined that with tariff concessions in place, there is a great possibility for growth, both in terms of volume and through partnerships with Indian businesses.
She further assured participants that the Sri Lankan Consulate is dedicated to assisting exporters by streamlining trade procedures, providing market information, and assisting businesses looking to establish themselves in India.
Notable Sri Lankan tea exporters and business executives attended the event. They showcased their product range and expressed enthusiasm about working with Indian distributors and retailers.
