Sri Lanka’s cabinet has approved moving forward with the process to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), beginning with completing a formal questionnaire from the trade bloc. Membership would require the country to gradually eliminate tariffs on 85–90% of goods, unlocking access to larger export markets and global supply chains. The questionnaire, issued in October 2024, must be completed before January 1, 2026, to continue Sri Lanka’s accession proces