Sri Lanka, UAE deepen cooperation in trade, tourism, and energy at second Joint Commission meeting
Sri Lanka, UAE Strengthen Trade and Investment Ties
The focus keyword Sri Lanka, UAE marks renewed cooperation as both nations strengthen trade and investment ties during the second Joint Commission session, exploring new areas from tourism to technology for long-term economic collaboration.
The second session of the Sri Lanka–UAE Joint Commission has reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to expanding their multifaceted partnership. The meeting, held this week, reviewed the progress of ongoing projects and discussed future opportunities in trade, investment, tourism, and several other strategic sectors that bind the two countries together.
Co-chaired by Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra, and the UAE’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, the discussions reflected the growing importance of diplomatic and economic engagement between the two nations.
The session covered an impressive range of cooperation areas — including political, economic, financial, transport, sports, health, customs, energy, labour, defence, science and technology, education, culture, agriculture, food, and postal services. The comprehensive agenda highlights the deepening bilateral engagement and the shared intent to transform partnership goals into tangible outcomes.
Minister Al Hajeri expressed a strong desire to boost cooperation in high-value sectors, particularly trade and tourism, with a focus on infrastructure development aimed at attracting high-end tourism from the UAE to Sri Lanka. This signals a potential increase in luxury tourism investments, especially in resort developments, wellness tourism, and eco-friendly travel initiatives across Sri Lanka’s coastal and cultural zones.
Both nations emphasized the need for greater economic diversification, aligning with Sri Lanka’s efforts to strengthen its export base and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) from the Middle East. Al Hajeri noted that deeper collaboration in energy, financial services, and textiles could open new avenues for bilateral growth, particularly as Sri Lanka seeks to integrate sustainable practices into its industries.
The UAE’s strong financial and energy sectors complement Sri Lanka’s growing need for investment in renewable energy and industrial modernization. The renewed commitment may also pave the way for increased labour mobility and skill exchange, with the UAE continuing to be one of the largest employers of Sri Lankan expatriate workers.
From the Sri Lankan side, Deputy Minister Hemachandra underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships that contribute to national development while ensuring mutual benefit. “The UAE has been a vital partner in Sri Lanka’s journey toward economic recovery and diversification,” he remarked, highlighting the country’s appreciation for the UAE’s long-standing support and growing investment interest.
The session concluded with both Co-Chairs signing the Agreed Minutes of the Second Session, solidifying the discussions into actionable frameworks for future implementation. The signing marks another milestone in a relationship that has steadily evolved from diplomatic understanding to practical cooperation across key growth sectors.
A particularly noteworthy point was the emphasis on innovation and technology transfer. Both parties recognized the value of promoting collaboration in science, technology, and education — areas vital to building resilient and knowledge-driven economies. The discussion also included the possibility of academic exchanges and research collaborations that could help bridge expertise between universities and innovation centers in both nations.
In the realm of defence and security cooperation, the meeting reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and maritime safety in the Indian Ocean region — a matter of shared strategic interest. The UAE’s expertise in advanced security systems and Sri Lanka’s critical geographic location offer a mutually beneficial ground for collaboration in this sector.
Energy cooperation featured prominently as well, especially in renewable sources such as solar and wind energy, where both countries are exploring long-term partnerships. The UAE’s global experience in sustainable energy projects could play a vital role in supporting Sri Lanka’s transition toward clean energy.
Cultural and educational collaboration remains another cornerstone of the Sri Lanka–UAE relationship. With the large Sri Lankan diaspora in the UAE and an increasing number of Emirati tourists visiting Sri Lanka, cultural understanding and people-to-people links are expected to deepen further in the coming years.
The Third Session of the Joint Commission will be hosted in Abu Dhabi, underscoring the continued momentum of this growing partnership. Both governments expressed optimism that these talks will translate into enhanced cooperation across a wider spectrum of shared interests.
With both nations committed to a results-driven approach, the Sri Lanka–UAE partnership is entering a new era of growth — one anchored in trust, investment, and shared prosperity.