China plans to expand Myanmar Economic Corridor to Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); China is prioritizing the extension of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor to Sri Lanka, said Special envoy of the Chinese President, state councillor Shen Yiqin during her meeting with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinge in Colombo on Monday (20).

Wickremesinghe has noted that countries such as Sri Lanka, participants in the Belt & Road initiative, are prepared to embark on the second phase of the initiative, which is expected to make a more substantial economic contribution.

The President outlined the measures taken by Sri Lanka to access the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), while further affirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to preserving the Indian Ocean as a free zone for navigation and ensuring it remains a peaceful region, free from global geopolitical rivalries, said the President's Media Division.

During the meeting, both parties agreed to expedite the implementation of the China-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, said the President's Media Division in a statement.

Shen Yikn reaffirmed China’s enduring support to Sri Lanka and emphasized her commitment to strengthening the relations between the two countries.

The Special envoy of the Chinese President, state councillor Shen Yiqin, and the delegation paid a courtesy call on President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the primary focus of the meeting was to enhance tourism and trade relations between the two countries.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe had expressed gratitude for China’s support to Sri Lanka, notably acknowledging their assistance in the country’s debt restructuring program, and also extended sincere thanks to the Chinese President and the government for their invaluable support in this regard.

Additionally, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed Sri Lanka’s desire to augment cooperation between the two countries in the fields of tourism, sports and agriculture also highlighted that both the Hambantota Port and Port City are currently prepared for investment opportunities, said the President's Media Division.

Source: President's Media Division