Sri Lanka-Pakistan FTA fully operational
Rajmi MANATUNGA in Islamabad
PAKISTAN: The Pakistan-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA) aimed at
boosting trade and commercial activities between the two countries has
now become operational, the Pakistan Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
Pakistan Foreign Secretary Riyaz Mohomad Khan told a Sri Lankan media
delegation in Islamabad that the two countries have taken measures to
implement the FTA which was formulated to raise the levels of trade
between the two countries.
"The FTA is in place now. The two countries have already exchanged
lists in relation to the implementation of the FTA," he said.
According to Khan, imports and exports between the two countries are
expected to increase to Rs 140-200 billion as a result of the FTA signed
a couple of years ago. He further said that the future success of the
FTA will depend mostly upon the private sector in Sri Lanka and
Pakistan.
"The Government can only initiate agreements of this nature. But it
is up to the private sector in Sri Lanka to utilise it and receive the
intended benefits," he said.
Khan also expressed optimism that tourism could be a significant area
where Sri Lanka and Pakistan could increase their bilateral cooperation. |