Sri Lanka - Pakistan trade doubles
Pakistan is the second largest trading partner of Sri Lanka within
the South Asian region.
|
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa with the
Pakistan business delegation. |
Sri Lanka is the first country to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
with Pakistan.
Bilateral trade between the two countries has doubled within a short
period of time from US$ 150 million to US$ 300 million during the last
three years, which is a direct outcome FTA, which is operational since
2005. Recently a 27-member Pakistan-Sri Lanka Business Forum (PSLBF)
delegation led by Abdul Rauf Tabani, visited Sri Lanka.
They participated in the INTRAD-EXPO 2010, organized by the National
Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka.
They were accompanied by Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi V.
Sidath Kumar.
This was the third business delegation of the PSLBF in as many years.
The business delegation also explored opportunities for investments
and joint ventures in Sri Lanka.
The delegation consisted of Heads/CEOs of leading Pakistani companies
in textiles, fertilizer, sugar industry, service industry, IT, fresh
fruits and vegetables, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, leisure and
tourism, construction, light engineering goods, rice, apparel, gems/jewellery,
sports goods and commodities sectors. The delegation also participated
in an investment conference arranged by the National Chamber of
Commerce.
Meetings were also held with BOI the Chairman and Sri Lanka Export
Development Board Chairman.
The meetings focused on increasing the volume of bilateral trade
between the two countries.
|
