According to Sri Lanka’s minister of Export Development and International Trade, Professor G Peiris, the country is seeking investment from India, particularly for its leather, tourism, information technology, spices and ceramics industries. He described Sri Lanka as a crucial investment area within southern Asia and indicated the benefit it offers in terms of trade with the EU, which imposes no duties on many Sri Lankan export items.

Professor Peiris also pleaded with India to abolish its tight non-tariff barriers, which he believes impede bilateral trade between the countries.