Geneva, 17 October 2025 – On 15 and 17 October 2025, under the chairmanship of Kairat Torebayev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the WTO, the Fifth Trade Policy Review of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka was held in Geneva.

The delegation of Sri Lanka was led by Hon. Mr. Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development. Discussions focused on the country’s economic reforms, macroeconomic stabilization, and measures to strengthen investor confidence.

Many delegations commended Sri Lanka’s determination to continue structural reforms, including debt restructuring, improved transparency, and customs digitalization. WTO Members welcomed the introduction of electronic certificates of origin, the development of a national single window, and the ratification of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Members also recognized the country’s efforts toward export diversification and an improved investment climate.

During the discussions, it was noted that Sri Lanka’s economy recorded a GDP growth of 5% in 2024, while industrial output increased by 9.2% compared to the previous year. Merchandise exports reached 12.9% of GDP, and the implementation rate of the Trade Facilitation Agreement stood at 58%, with full implementation targeted by 2027. These figures reflect the gradual recovery of the economy and the effectiveness of the reforms being implemented.

In closing, Permanent Representative Kairat Torebayev highlighted the constructive nature of the discussions and thanked the Sri Lankan delegation for its active engagement and commitment to transparency.
He underlined that WTO Trade Policy Reviews remain an essential mechanism for ensuring openness, predictability, and trust in the multilateral trading system.

The next review will take place on 28 and 30 October 2025 and will concern the United Kingdom, marking the country’s first Trade Policy Review since its withdrawal from the European Union.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-wto/press/news/details/1088933?lang=kk