Bilateral trade logs 9% growth between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka, bolstering economic integration: Ambassador
Bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka rose by 9 percent, supporting the increasing integration of the two countries’ economies, according to the Sri Lankan Ambassador in Riyadh.
Speaking to Al-Eqtisadiah, Omar Ameer Ajwad stated: “Sri Lanka’s exports to Saudi Arabia recorded a 19 percent increase during the period from January to September 2025, compared to the same period last year.”
He pointed out that cooperation between the companies Ceylon Biscuits Limited and Aamalco is expected to contribute to increasing Sri Lankan exports to Saudi Arabia in the coming period.
Ajwad affirmed that the Joint Business Council is a stimulating factor for enhancing the momentum of growing trade and investment and will be a vital platform for partnership in the opportunities available within the framework of Vision 2030.
He expressed his hope that the establishment of the council would represent a qualitative shift and serve as a vital platform for constructive dialogue, trade facilitation, investment encouragement, and enhancing cooperation between the private sectors.
The volume of foreign direct investment from Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka reached $35 million, with a focus on the clothing and healthcare services sectors.
The ambassador added: “The partnership between CBL and Aamalco represents a strategic milestone and is expected to enhance the access of Sri Lankan products in Saudi Arabia to a wide marketing network, given the strength of local markets, and to open new horizons for commercial cooperation.”
Saudi Arabia’s imports of tea reached about 9,000 tonnes in 2024. Sri Lanka’s average annual tea production is 262 million kg.
The CBL Group was founded in 1968 as one of Sri Lanka’s leading food manufacturing companies, exporting its products to 65 countries worldwide, while Aamalco focuses on linking global brands with the Saudi market.
