The United States is committed to expanding trade, opening markets for American exports, and championing private sector-led growth, when countries create transparent systems, strengthen rule of law, and create predictable regulatory environments, American businesses respond with investment, innovation, and long-term partnership, Charge D’Affaires Jayne Howell, US Embassy in Sri Lanka told a CEO Forum held in Sri Lanka recently.
She said however that the Sri Lankan government’s efforts to strengthen the investment climate is critical to private capital, including American capital and the challenges it faces are unpredictable regulations, bureaucratic barriers, inconsistent standards and opaque procurement.
“American companies bring world-class tech, innovation, and transparency. They create high-quality jobs and integrate markets into resilient global supply chains. But American investment is disciplined. It flows where contracts are honoured, regulations are predictable, and procurement is transparent. Where those conditions exist, opportunity follows.”
She said the Port of Colombo is a powerful example of how their economic interests converge. A South Asia’s leading container transshipment hub, expansion plans will double capacity to 15 million containers by 2027. A stronger Port of Colombo means faster, more reliable supply chains for American manufacturers and consumers. It also reinforces Sri Lanka’s role as a trusted, high-standard logistics hub at the centre of the Indo-Pacific, a role that benefits the entire region.
“ And our commercial relationship is not just a one-way street. The United States remains one of the world’s most stable and dynamic markets. For the 13th consecutive year, global executives ranked us as the top destination for foreign direct investment. For Sri Lankan companies thinking
ambitiously about growth, the United States is not just a market, it’s a platform, she said.
“ Sri Lankan companies looking to grow have two powerful pathways to deepen engagements with the United States. First, by harnessing American exports. The advanced technologies, resilient energy systems, premium agricultural products, and digital infrastructure that give businesses a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving global economy. Second, by investing in the United States itself. For companies ready to scale, the United States is a launch pad. Through Select USA, our flagship investment promotion initiative, Sri Lankan firms can connect directly with state-level leaders, compare incentives, build supply chains, and position themselves inside the world’s largest consumer economy,” Howell said.
Together, trade and investment form a reinforcing cycle. American innovation powering Sri Lankan growth and Sri Lankan enterprise creating jobs and opportunity in the United States. Modern economic partnership are practical, ambitious, and mutually beneficial. The United States is committed to expanding trade, opening markets for American exports, and championing private sector-led growth. When countries create transparent systems, strengthen rule of law, and create predictable regulatory environments, American businesses respond with investment, innovation, and long-term partnership.
“Here is my commitment for this embassy. We will advocate for fair, transparent, and competitive conditions for American companies. We will engage constructively with Sri Lankan authorities to address obstacles and unlock opportunity. And we will actively promote two-way trade and investment that delivers measurable results for both our economies. Rebuilding is not only about restoring what was lost. It is about constructing an economy that is modern, diversified, and grounded in fair and predictable rules. The next phase presents an opportunity to strengthen market institutions, anchor growth and sound fundamentals, and ensure that prosperity is durable and broad-based. Disciplined reform will position Sri Lanka as a reliable hub at the centre of the Indian Ocean trade, a place where global supply chains converge and high standards prevail,” Howell added.
Source : Daily News