EU urges Sri Lanka to lift import restrictions on European products

“In this regard, Sri Lanka clarified that it has imposed temporary import restrictions on non-essential items, strictly as an interim measure, due to a foreign exchange shortfall resulting from the impact of the global pandemic. Sri Lanka noted that these measures are subject to continuous and progressive review,” the Foreign Ministry said in a press release yesterday.

Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa (C) during the Sri Lanka’s 74th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo on February 4, 2022. (Photo by Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP) (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)The Joint Commission took stock of the conclusions of the Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation held virtually on January 26. The EU and Sri Lanka noted the significance of bilateral trade relations.

“Sri Lanka appreciated the valued contribution of the GSP+ regime to the country’s sustainable development. The EU acknowledged the constructive engagement by Sri Lankan stakeholders during the GSP+ monitoring mission in September 2021. The two sides reviewed Sri Lanka’s compliance with 27 International Conventions related to human rights, labour rights, protection of the environment and good governance covered by the GSP+ scheme. Sri Lanka reiterated its commitment to effective implementation of the 27 conventions, and noted its adherence to the principle of non-discrimination, and the removal of any further impediments in the exercise of labour rights and fundamental freedoms. The EU invited Sri Lanka to provide further updates on progress,” the release added.

The Joint Commission also discussed the conclusions of the Working Group on Development Cooperation, which took place on February 2. The Working Group reviewed all aspects of EU – Sri Lanka development cooperation, and discussed priorities of the EU Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) for 2021-2027. They also discussed the interventions adopted in 2021, including the COVID-19 response package.

“The EU noted that the MIP, which focuses on Green Recovery and Inclusive and Peaceful Society, supports Sri Lanka’s development priorities, and is aligned with the external dimensions of the European Green Deal, and the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Appreciating the EU’s development cooperation, Sri Lanka reiterated the need for it to complement Sri Lanka’s national and developmental priorities. The EU and Sri Lanka expressed their commitment to work together on joint priorities under the MIP.

“The EU and Sri Lanka agreed on the importance of continued cooperation in deterring and eliminating IUU fishing practices, and honouring commitments of the partnership.

“Issues related to migration and readmission were also discussed.

“The EU and Sri Lanka exchanged ways to deepen cooperation in higher education and research and technical cooperation under the Erasmus+ programme, the Marie-Sklodowska-Curie programme, and the Horizon Europe framework programme,” the release said.

The EU welcomed Sri Lanka’s update on its Nationally Determined Contributions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the country’s commitment to ambitious targets. The EU looked forward to working closely with Sri Lanka, bilaterally and in multilateral fora, on climate action and environment protection. Both sides exchanged views on priorities ahead of the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27).

The EU and Sri Lanka reviewed ongoing cooperation in the area of security and counter-terrorism. Sri Lanka appreciated the EU’s continued listing of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a terrorist organisation. Both sides stressed the importance of adherence to international norms and standards in the fight against terrorism. They reiterated willingness to further enhance cooperation in Maritime Domain Awareness.

EU urges Sri Lanka to lift import restrictions on European products (msn.com)