As part of the session, participants received an update on recent economic and political developments in Germany. The presentation highlighted that Germany’s economy continues to be shaped by the effects of the crisis in the Middle East, particularly through higher energy prices and inflation. The discussion also touched on wider political and trade developments, including new EU free trade agreements with the Mercosur states and India, which are expected to strengthen Europe’s economic ties with key non-European markets.
The meeting also featured insights from the AHK World Business Outlook Spring 2026, based on a global survey of more than 4,500 member companies of the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad. The findings showed that overall economic expectations have weakened, with 32% of companies expecting an economic slowdown. For Sri Lanka in particular, the outlook has become more cautious in recent months due to high energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and exchange-rate volatility — factors that continue to influence business sentiment and planning.
A particularly valuable part of the meeting was the open and fruitful discussion among the committee members. Participants exchanged perspectives on low export prices, especially in agriculture, the pressure created by high freight rates, and the broader uncertainty affecting supply chains and trade flows. Members also shared their views on the recently published export development plan and emphasized the importance of continued institutional support for the sector. We sincerely thank all participants for their active contributions, thoughtful insights, and continued engagement, which made this discussion both relevant and constructive.