Prime Minister and ITC Executive Director Meet to Discuss Economic Priorities
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya had a meeting with Ms. Pamela Rosemarie Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), on March 12th, at the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
During their discussion, both parties addressed key economic priorities, such as digital transformation, SME development, and women’s economic empowerment. The meeting highlighted the significance of achieving inclusive economic growth through digitalization, improved market access, and bolstered institutional frameworks.
The discussions emphasized integrating small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into the broader economy, promoting greater participation of youth and women, and implementing policies favorable to investment to ensure long-term economic stability. The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to fortifying the rural economy by identifying critical sectors like tourism, exports, energy, IT, education, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Strengthening collaborations with the ITC and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) was acknowledged as crucial for enhancing exports, particularly in organic products.
The meeting laid the groundwork for further cooperation, with Sri Lanka’s involvement in the forthcoming Global Summit in July anticipated to progress these discussions further.
Senior representatives from the United Nations, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs attended the meeting, including Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Mr. Dharshana M. Perera, Senior Director General, Economic Affairs (Bilateral) Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with Ms. Pamela Rosemarie Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre, at the Parliament of Sri Lanka on March 12th. They discussed key economic priorities such as digital transformation, SME development, and women’s economic empowerment. The meeting highlighted the need for inclusive economic growth through digitalization, market access, and institutional frameworks. Strategies were explored to integrate SMEs into the economy, boost youth and women participation, and implement investment-friendly policies. Dr. Amarasuriya emphasized strengthening the rural economy with a focus on key sectors. The meeting included senior representatives and set the stage for further collaboration ahead of the Global Summit in July.
