With billions in exports at stake, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake seeks Macron’s backing to secure Sri Lanka’s crucial GSP+ trade concession before its December deadline.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has requested French President Emmanuel Macron to support Sri Lanka’s bid to retain the European Union’s GSP+ trade concession when it expires later this year. The appeal came during bilateral discussions held on the sidelines of the AI Summit in New Delhi, underscoring the urgency of protecting Sri Lanka’s export-driven economy.
According to officials, President Macron assured his full support for Sri Lanka’s efforts to continue benefiting from the GSP+ facility. He also indicated that France would explore additional trade concessions and economic cooperation mechanisms to strengthen bilateral trade ties and investment flows.
External Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed that the government intends to formally reapply for the GSP+ concession before its expiry in December. The preferential trade scheme, which grants tariff-free access to the EU market for thousands of products, remains critical for Sri Lanka’s apparel, fisheries, and manufacturing sectors.
Sri Lanka’s position was reiterated at the 27th session of the EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission held in Colombo earlier this month. Discussions focused on progress in democracy, good governance, rule of law, and human rights. Key areas reviewed included the proposed repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, amendments to the Online Security Act, minority and labor rights, anti-corruption measures, and freedom of expression.
Minister Herath stated that the government is actively working to replace outdated laws with legislation aligned to international standards. Sri Lanka has also briefed the European Union on reconciliation initiatives and the strengthened role of independent institutions such as the Office of Missing Persons, the Office of Reparations, and the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation.
In parallel, President Dissanayake discussed trade cooperation with British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy during his recent visit. The President thanked the United Kingdom for including Sri Lanka under the Developing Countries Trade Scheme and expressed the government’s commitment to retaining preferential market access in the future.
