Yesterday, US Ambassador Julie J. Chung called on Trade Minister Nalin Fernando.
The Ambassador stated that Sri Lanka is currently on the path to economic progress through reforms and a market-oriented economy, and emphasised the importance of improving food security in the country. She also stated that Sri Lanka must diversify its markets in order to reduce food price increases and adapt to inflation.
The Minister stated that the trade Ministry’s current focus is primarily on lowering production costs, reducing post-harvest waste, and improving production quality, all of which are critical components of food security. He also stated that Sri Lanka is looking for assistance with new technology to improve production and productivity in the SME sector. The Ambassador also stated that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and aid programmes such as the Melinda Gates Foundation USA are eager to help Sri Lanka further in the areas of climate change, agricultural productivity, and the digital economy. The discussion was attended by Ministry of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security Secretary A.M.P.M.B Athapaththu, as well as other officials.
