After decades of diplomatic ties but little industrial investment, Sri Lanka is establishing its first manufacturing operations in the Philippines, a modest but symbolic move that both governments hope will open the door to broader trade and investment between the two countries.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath visited the Phividec Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental recently to inspect two pioneering projects by Sri Lankan companies Haycarb PLC and Jaindi Exports, underscoring Colombo’s push to encourage its businesses to expand overseas and deepen economic engagement with Manila.

Together, the projects are expected to bring more than $20 million in initial investments and create over 150 direct jobs once fully operational.

Haycarb is building what is expected to become the first Sri Lankan manufacturing facility in the Philippines, while Jaindi Exports is preparing to establish operations after securing regulatory approvals.

The Sri Lankan minister said they expect the initial ventures to encourage more companies from the island-nation to consider the Philippines as a production base in Southeast Asia.

Sri Lanka and the Philippines mark 65 years of diplomatic relations this year.