INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Sri Lanka and Thailand could sign a free trade agreement (FTA) by March, a top official of the Indian Ocean nation told Reuters on
Wednesday, as it attempts to rebuild its crisis-stricken economy.The two nations restarted deal negotiations in January, months after a
cooperation, investment, dispute settlement and services, he added.Two-way trade was about $460 million in 2021, Sri Lankan central bank
Sri Lanka exports mainly tea and precious stones to Thailand, from which it imports electronic equipment, food, rubber, plastics and
pharmaceuticals.Last week President Ranil Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka would focus on boosting foreign investment, exports and jobs, as it
shifts gears from tackling the crisis to growth.Economic prospects have benefited from moderating inflation, a stronger currency and lower
The government expects to return to growth next year.The island also expects FDI inflows to rise by a fifth this year, to $1.3 billion, as
it takes steps to attract investment.Source: Reuters-Agencies
