Perspectives for EU trade cooperation with Sri Lanka
27.7.2018
Question for written answer E-004186-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Andrejs Mamikins (S&D)
Sri Lanka is located along a strategically important shipping lane which is considered to be the busiest trade route in the world. In addition, Sri Lanka boasts a coastline favourable for the construction of large deep-water ports capable of handling the world’s largest ships — a geographic feature which its South Asian neighbours lack. Finally, with some 19 million inhabitants, Sri Lanka is a highly populated country.
Considering these advantages, some countries are already leveraging Sri Lanka’s regional attractiveness. This is the case in particular with China, whose ever-growing presence on the shores of the Indian Ocean, including along those of Sri Lanka, has boosted Chinese economic expansion across the whole of South Asia.
— What is the Commission’s evaluation of the implementation of the GSP+ arrangement with Sri Lanka?
— What other opportunities for deepening trade cooperation between the EU and Sri Lanka can be provided for?
— How does the Commission evaluate whether products are imported from Sri Lanka in accordance with international labour and environmental standards?