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The meeting in Doha reviewed investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka with a focus on the agriculture sector along with potential collaboration across other areas of mutual interest according to a Qatar News Agency report on the discussions. Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Twar Al Kuwari highlighted the importance of strengthening economic and trade relations between Qatar and Sri Lanka. He noted that the Qatar Chamber stands ready to support closer contacts between the private sectors of both countries while helping identify investment prospects that could lead to new commercial and investment partnerships.
Arun Hemachandra invited the Qatar Chamber and Qatari business leaders to visit Sri Lanka for a firsthand look at available opportunities the business environment and economic advantages offered to foreign investors. He specifically encouraged participation in Sri Lanka Expo 2027 scheduled for January in Colombo. The deputy minister outlined how such engagement could deepen bilateral business ties.
Data compiled by Sri Lanka’s Export Development Board places Sri Lankan exports to Qatar at $19.71 million in 2025 with key shipments including tea packets other electrical and electronic products alcoholic beverages bananas and coconut milk powder. Imports from Qatar reached $45.2 million during the same period according to the same figures. Sri Lanka’s shipments to Qatar rose 7.5 percent from the prior year even as imports declined reflecting evolving trade patterns between the nations.
The discussions build on the launch of the Qatar-Sri Lanka Business Council in 2024 which the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs described as a platform to promote bilateral trade investment and business collaboration. Subsequent memorandums of understanding signed between the council and Sri Lanka’s National Chamber of Exporters outlined cooperation in information exchange trade missions and joint events. These steps have aimed to create lasting partnerships across sectors including tourism real estate and manufacturing.
Nearly 140000 Sri Lankan workers are employed in Qatar a factor that has long anchored bilateral relations according to recent statements from Sri Lankan officials involved in labour talks held alongside the economic meetings. Sri Lanka has sought to expand opportunities for skilled professionals while improving worker welfare and skills recognition. The country continues to recover from its earlier economic challenges and is actively courting foreign direct investment to support growth in agriculture and related industries.
Sri Lanka Expo 2027 organised by the Export Development Board will run from January 14 to 17 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo and is expected to draw more than 750 local exhibitors along with over 2000 international buyers and investors from more than 50 countries. The event will showcase products ranging from apparel gems and jewellery to rubber products processed foods and ICT services according to the board’s published details. Organisers have extended exhibitor registration and arranged business-to-business meetings to maximise deal-making potential.
