The delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka is aiming to facilitate the certification of German standards in Sri Lanka.
The delegation will be assisted by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. The European Union has placed emphasis on standards linked to health, labour, quality, and environmental concerns in their trade relationships. These statements were made on July 10 at the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce at a signing of a standards agreement with Wurth Lanka.
German Ambassador to Sri Lanka Jörn Rohde highlighted that in South Asia there was no delegation of German Industry and Commerce in either Bangladesh or Pakistan. Rohde also said that Sri Lanka disproportionate to its size is considered in German foreign policy dealings for the region.
The standardization for the export sector shall focus on textiles, rubber, and food. The delegation feels that given the high environmental sustainability practices of Sri Lankan apparel manufacture this should help those secure better prices.
Rohde said that the country might remain eligible for GSP Plus with the recent downgrading of income status. A report on GSP Plus is expected in the 3rd quarter of this year.
Rohde felt recent import restrictions were warranted given the foreign exchange reserves of the country but felt that such a position was unsustainable given the need for exporters to import goods for manufacturing. Rohde called for more international market access for firms investing in Sri Lanka and noted that the South Asian region had abnormally low regional trade.
Rohde called for a better legal framework and more tender transparency to foster increased German interest in Sri Lanka. Rohde noted that ownership restrictions towards locals in the shipping industry make it difficult for big players to consider setting up operations through Sri Lanka. Rohde highlighted the need for an independent Central Bank.
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