Ambassador Julie Chung addressed members of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Sri Lanka at their 2025 Annual General Meeting, reflecting on her tenure and the partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka. She noted this was likely her final speech at the event and expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts over the past three and a half years.
Chung congratulated the newly elected AmCham board and thanked outgoing President Shirendra Lawrence for his leadership. She emphasized that AmCham plays a crucial role in strengthening economic ties between both countries.
Highlighting recent developments, Chung pointed to U.S. companies investing in Sri Lanka’s economy, such as RM Parks’ launch of its first Shell-branded fuel station and Englander Mattresses opening its first store in Colombo. She said these investments are signs of economic recovery and growing market attractiveness for international brands. Chung also mentioned initiatives like Visa Accept, aimed at expanding digital payment solutions to small businesses across Sri Lanka.
Despite progress, Chung acknowledged ongoing challenges facing businesses operating in Sri Lanka. "One of the most pressing issues is the need to reduce non-tariff barriers that hinder trade and investment," she said, noting that bureaucratic hurdles continue to discourage foreign investment and limit local growth.
She added: "The Trump Administration has made enhancing American prosperity a top priority. Promoting U.S. exports abroad is central to that goal." Chung called for continued collaboration to create a more business-friendly environment by lowering non-tariff barriers, streamlining processes, and ensuring transparency—actions she described as beneficial not only for U.S. companies but also for Sri Lanka’s long-term economic resilience.
Chung highlighted anti-corruption efforts under President Dissanayake's administration as positive steps toward creating a fair business climate: "Corruption undermines economic growth, erodes public trust, and creates an uneven playing field for businesses."
Trade negotiations between both nations were also discussed. "The headline tariff numbers have gotten all the attention, but that's only part of the story," she said, adding that upcoming joint commitments would require collective effort from both governments and private sectors.
Chung cited advocacy efforts by the United States in securing SubCom—a U.S.-based company—for work on Sri Lanka’s Sea-Me-We 6 undersea cable project as an example of supporting American business interests abroad.
In her remarks on corporate social responsibility (CSR), Chung commended AmCham’s mentorship programs targeting young Sri Lankans entering the workforce. She encouraged further partnerships with initiatives such as educational exchanges or English language training programs through American Spaces across Sri Lanka or Fulbright scholarships.
Chung concluded: "We will continue defending America’s interests and working toward mutual prosperity for our two nations. My door is open to AmCham."