FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – The Benelux union has the potential to serve as a testing ground for Sri Lankan exporters aiming for deeper integration into the European market, particularly through its connections to the Port of Rotterdam, according to the Netherlands’ Ambassador Wiebe de Boer. He made these remarks while addressing the annual general meeting of The Sri Lanka-Benelux Business Council (SLBBC), which is part of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
Ambassador de Boer highlighted that Sri Lanka’s GSP+ trade benefits are secure until 2029, along with a two-year period during which the country can reapply under a revised framework. He expressed optimism that Sri Lanka could eventually transition from GSP+ to a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU, drawing parallels to the recently signed EU-India FTA.
He also expressed concerns regarding the bureaucratic challenges that entrepreneurs face, particularly in relation to delays in quality assurance approvals and restrictive foreign investment limitations. Council President Farhath Amith emphasized the need for ongoing Benelux support to extend Sri Lanka’s GSP+ status for an additional five years, identifying key sectors for potential collaboration such as renewable energy, floriculture, agriculture and agro-processing (including GI-certifiable crops like cocoa and vanilla), eco-tourism, the coconut sector, and healthcare.
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Amith pointed out that the process of selecting Sri Lankan spices and agricultural products for Geographical Indication (GI) Certification has been sluggish, resulting in missed opportunities for expanding exports to the EU. He stated, “Given that the Netherlands is a major hub for the floriculture sector within the EU, Sri Lanka should be positioned as the focal point in South Asia for the trade of tropical ornamental plants and cut foliage.”
During the meeting, Amith, who is also the Director of Fanam International, was re-elected as president for the 2026/2027 term. Shaameel Mohideen from Spillburg Holdings and P M Abeysekara from Vinu International Trading Company were reappointed as the senior vice president and vice president, respectively. The council also selected new committee members from Andrew The Travel Company, MAC Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, Maliban Healthcare, Propylon One Private Limited, Sri Lanka Technology Development Corporate Society, and Thames International Educational Consultancy. Sajith Wijenayake from Aitken Spence Travels will remain on the committee as immediate past president. (Colombo/Sep4/2026)
