Sri Lanka’s proximity to other lucrative markets in South Asia provides a major economic advantage and incentive for foreign investors. Combined with its low-tariff, open trade regime, Sri Lanka has become a trading and transshipment hub for the region. While the country stands to benefit from these advantages, bureaucracy, nepotism and a lack of transparency threaten its full-growth potential. Canada and Sri Lanka enjoy strong bilateral relations based on shared participation in the Commonwealth. Canadian companies doing business in Sri Lanka are advised to appoint a local representative or agent to help navigate the market. The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is also a good resource for Canadian businesses looking for information and intelligence on doing business in Sri Lanka.