State Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs Dr. Harsha de Silva stated that the government would be reducing import tariffs and removing border restrictions to encourage more foreign investments and know-how to increase higher value exports and fast track economic growth.

He noted that Sri Lanka needs to shift from “buyer driven to producer driven production networks,” and highlighted the importance of reducing para tariffs and border restrictions to make this possible.

De Silva also pointed to the need to focus on the Indian Ocean region than on South Asia, and connect with countries through FTAs and economic zones for economic growth.