The first Arab and African nation ever to establish diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka says that it has been one of the key markets for Ceylon Tea and now has 22 Bilateral Agreements with Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka, readily agreeing with the claim, says that the next Egypt –Sri Lanka Joint Commission will be held in Colombo.
“When we look at the annual trade volumes I can see that there are immense but un-realised trade potentials that we can mutually explore to further develop our bilateral trade beyond the current basket of products. The Joint Commission on Trade can help in this regard. Our two countries entered into a Trade and Economic Co-operation Agreement in 1987 and had the First Joint Committee was subsequently upgraded to a Joint Commission. I am happy to note that we are preparing to hold the next Session of the Joint Commission in Colombo” said the Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiueen on 16 July in Colombo. Minister Bathiudeen was addressing the 66th National Day Celebrations of Egypt held at Taj Samudra, Colombo on 16 July. Joining the session with (HE) Ambassador of Egypt to Sri Lanka Hussein El Saharty were many members from the diplomatic corps in Colombo. “Becoming the leading tea exporter to Egypt was one of Sri Lanka’s major achievements. Last year our total trade with Egypt including tea exports was at US $ 48 millon. 30 percent of our exports to Egypt last year was tea followed by rubber tyres and coconut products” Minister Bathiudeen added.
Sri Lanka and Egypt signed an Economic and Technical Co-operation Agreement in March 1987 paving way for a Joint Committee in 1990. The Committee was elevated to a Joint Commission which met in 1996 for the first time and in November 2002 for the second Session in Cairo.
Ambassador El Saharty highlighted the long standing and cordial relations between both countries, and added : “Today Egypt and Sri Lanka are bound by 22 bilateral agreements and MoUs covering trade, investment, culture, education, civil aviation, political consultation and security. The future holds endless opportunities of cooperation for both countries. Merchants from both countries have contributed immensely to fostering bilateral ties, particularly through Indian Ocean spice trade.”
Sri Lanka exported US $ 6.4 million of tea to Egypt last year and in the last five year period a total of US $ 46 Mn tea was exported to Egypt from Sri Lanka. As for imports, 32% of total imports from Egypt last year were essential oils, followed by sugar and fruits.
Ambassador El Saharty revealed that Egypt was the first Arab, African and Middle Eastern nation ever to establish diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka in 1957.