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The Role of Sri Lanka in Enhancing Connectivity between South Asia and Southeast Asia

Author

Listed:
  • Dushni Weerakoon

    (Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI))

  • Nipuni Perera

Abstract

Improving physical connectivity between South and Southeast Asia has long been recognized as a key element in promoting greater trade and investment linkages within the region. As an island economy, Sri Lanka’s regional connectivity has been mainly through its main sea port in Colombo, a transshipment hub port for South Asia. Investments to expand capacity at Colombo port are underway as part of Sri Lanka’s renewed efforts to develop its infrastructure following the long internal separatist conflict that ended in 2009. Despite significant improvements in physical infrastructure connectivity, Sri Lanka has made only limited headway in strengthening its trade and investment links with the rest of the region. Moreover, the country has seen a sharp decline in its overall exports-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio, which is worrying in view of the growing external debt financing of many large infrastructure projects through state-led investment initiatives. Thus, Sri Lanka needs to focus on two priority areas : engaging private investment in infrastructure by strengthening the country’s institutional and regulatory environment; and implementing a more strategic trade policy geared to enhance regional integration efforts.

Suggested Citation

  • Dushni Weerakoon & Nipuni Perera, 2014. "The Role of Sri Lanka in Enhancing Connectivity between South Asia and Southeast Asia," Trade Working Papers 24236, East Asian Bureau of Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:eab:tradew:24236
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    File URL: http://www.eaber.org/node/24236
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    Cited by:

    1. M. G. C. N. Madadeniya & S. Sivarajasingham, 2018. "Which Is Better For Economic Growth In Sri Lanka, Trade With Saarc Or Trade With Asean?," Journal of Smart Economic Growth, , vol. 3(3), pages 95-116, December.
    2. G.D.N.M Godagampala, 2018. "Impact Of Investments In Human Capital Determinants On Economic Growth: Time Series Analysis Based On Sri Lanka," Journal of Smart Economic Growth, , vol. 3(3), pages 85-93, December.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    South Asia; Southeast Asia; Sri Lanka; trade and investment linkages; physical infrastructure connectivity; Regional Integration;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration

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