The event is timely, given the increasingly important role China is playing in the Sri Lankan economy. China's significance as a lender, investor, trading partner and a source of tourists is gaining momentum and the proposed FTA will further strengthen the economic relationship between the two countries.

Verité Research will share their analysis on what shapes Sino-Lanka economic ties and potential gains and losses for businesses. Trade expert and Head of Economic Research at Verité Research, Subhashini Abeysinghe, will deliver the keynote presentation. In addition to the FTA, Abeysinghe is expected to talk about overall bilateral economic ties and draw useful comparisons to China's engagements with other emerging economies in the world. Abeysinghe is also expected to draw comparisons between Sri Lanka's engagements with India, the other leading economy in the region, and unravel the similarities and the differences of engaging with India and China.

Since the signing of the rubber-rice pact between the two countries in 1952, Sri Lanka has had a lasting bilateral relationship with China. However, much of the past decade in particular has seen bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and China strengthen steadily and presently, the relationship is at its highest point yet. The visit of Chinese President Xi Jinpin to Sri Lanka in September reignited public interest in the Sino-Lanka relationship and the possibility of a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The seminar will be held on 26th November 2014 at 'On Golden Pond', Taj Samudra, Colombo, from 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm.