Call for stepped-up economic engagement between SL and Maldives

Sri Lanka is looking to significantly expand its commercial engagement with the Maldives, with business leaders calling for a more focused strategy to capitalise on growing opportunities in trade, services and tourism-linked investments.

Immediate Past President of the Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council Sudesh Mendis said that the Maldives remains a high-potential market for Sri Lankan exporters and service providers, particularly in construction materials, food and beverage supplies, logistics and professional services aligned with the island nation’s expanding tourism and infrastructure sectors.

“The Maldives offers a demand-driven market where Sri Lankan products and services already enjoy strong acceptance, Mendis said, noting that geographical proximity and long-standing business ties give Sri Lanka a natural competitive advantage.

He said continued resort development, urban housing projects and public infrastructure investments in the Maldives have sustained demand for Sri Lankan goods, while services such as engineering, consultancy and skilled manpower also present room for growth.

However, Mendis stressed that logistical inefficiencies and administrative bottlenecks continue to limit expansion. “Improving shipping connectivity, reducing customs delays and ensuring smoother payment mechanisms are essential if Sri Lankan businesses are to scale up operations, he said.

Tourism collaboration was identified as another underdeveloped area, with Sri Lanka and the Maldives increasingly viewed as complementary destinations rather than rivals. Joint marketing initiatives and multi-destination travel packages could help increase visitor arrivals to both countries, Mendis added.

He also called for stronger private-sector leadership through regular trade missions, sector-focused business forums and targeted policy support to sustain momentum.

“With a coordinated and commercially driven approach, Sri Lanka can substantially deepen its economic presence in the Maldivian market, Mendis said.

Sri Lanka and the Maldives have maintained close economic relations, with bilateral trade expected to gain further traction as regional connectivity improves.

By Ifham Nizam

from The Island https://ift.tt/hmWJ1N3