Sri Lanka, June 25 -- With the World Trade Organization projecting global merchandise trade growth to slow sharply to 1.9% in 2026, economic alliances are no longer optional-they are central to sustaining growth and resilience. The global trade slowdown reflects shipping disruptions in the Straits of Hormuz, rising protectionism, geopolitical fragmentation, and weakened business confidence. Against this backdrop, South Asia stands out as a relative bright spot. India's trade is at record highs, supported by a new generation of comprehensive trade agreements with partners including the European Union, the UK, the UAE, Oman, and Australia. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, urgently needs to expand trade and foreign exchange earnings to consolidate rec...