Foreign Minister Murray McCully has announced that New Zealand will open a High Commission in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

"Establishing a High Commission in Colombo is a sign of New Zealand’s commitment to strengthening the relationship between our countries," Mr McCully says.

“Sri Lanka is rebuilding after a generation-long civil war, and we are keen to support that process politically and through a broader economic relationship. It is a growing economy, has a major dairy market and has expressed its interest in learning further about farming from New Zealand.

“Sri Lanka offers increasing value and diversity to our exporters, and is a trade gateway to a fast-growing part of Asia.”

The Government, through Budget 2017, has committed $6.2 million in capital funding to establish the High Commission and a further $8.9 million to cover operating costs over the next four years.

The new funding was announced today as part of the launch of Trade Agenda 2030.

More information can be found at www.mfat.govt.nz/tradeagenda2030

|  A Beehive release  |  March 24,2017   |||