Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West Visits Sri Lanka with a Focus on Economic Growth and Trade
(Lanka-e-News -01.Feb.2025, 11.10 PM)
-Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Catherine West MP
UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West, is set to engage with newly appointed Sri Lankan government ministers as part of the first official visit by the new UK government. This visit marks a significant step towards reinforcing the UK-Sri Lanka partnership in key areas such as inclusive economic growth, anti-corruption measures, human rights, and national reconciliation.
The Minister’s visit is expected to bring new momentum to UK-Sri Lanka trade relations. She will introduce new export procedure handbooks designed to help Sri Lankan businesses access the UK market more efficiently through the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). These efforts aim to create better trade opportunities, benefiting businesses in both nations and enhancing economic ties.
As part of her visit, Minister West will travel to Jaffna, highlighting the UK’s continued commitment to human rights, post-conflict reconciliation, and minority rights. She will meet with local political leaders and civil society organizations engaged in post-war rehabilitation efforts. Additionally, she will visit the only FCDO-funded climate adaptation project in Sri Lanka, which focuses on groundwater depletion and its impact on agriculture and local communities.
Speaking on her visit, Minister Catherine West said:
“I am so pleased to make my first official visit to Sri Lanka and meet the new government so soon after they have taken office. I have heard a lot about the country from my UK constituents of Sri Lankan heritage, and I have experienced their warm hospitality. The UK and Sri Lanka share a dynamic modern partnership, and I look forward to exploring our potential to grow our relationship through trade, economic growth, and education. Social and economic development are vital to sustained growth, and the UK remains steadfast in our commitment to tackling corruption, supporting human rights progress—including addressing long-standing grievances—and taking action on the impacts of climate and nature.”
The Minister will also engage with the British Council to discuss expanding the UK-Sri Lanka education partnership. With Sri Lanka positioning itself as a regional hub for transnational education (TNE), this discussion will explore opportunities for further collaboration in higher education and skills development.
UK High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick, emphasized the importance of the Minister’s visit, stating:
“Minister Catherine West’s visit marks an important moment—the first meeting between our two new governments. Her visit so soon after elections underscores the UK government’s commitment to strengthening our bilateral partnership. We anticipate significant activity in the coming months as we work with the Sri Lankan government on their reform agenda.”
The visit underscores the shared ambition of the UK and Sri Lanka to deepen their collaboration in trade, economic reform, climate resilience, and human rights. As both nations navigate their respective economic and political landscapes, this renewed engagement aims to foster a more robust and mutually beneficial partnership in the years to come.
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by (2025-02-01 18:26:35)
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