Sri Lanka-Bangladesh trade discussion

Massive scope for SL tea:

External Affairs Minister Professor G L Peiris had a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Dipu Moni on the sidelines of the Third Asia Middle East Dialogue Ministerial Meeting held this week in Bangkok.

The two Ministers noted the excellent relations between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the political as well as the economic spheres. They expressed satisfaction with the growing volumes of trade and explored avenues for enhancing trade in the New Year.

The tariff structures applicable to some of the major commodities involved in trade between the two countries were examined in the discussions between Prof Peiris and Dr Moni.

The export of jute from Bangladesh to Sri Lanka, as well as emphasis on rubber based products, gems and jewellery and ceramic products as Sri Lankan items which had the potential for export in greater quantities to Bangladesh, were prominent features of the bilateral discussion.

Dr Moni informed Prof Peiris that there is scope for Bangladesh to import larger volumes of tea from Sri Lanka, and the Ministers agreed to pursue this in earnest.

Given the importance of the apparel industry in the economy of both countries, Prof Peiris and Dr Moni agreed to look closely at synergies which would enable collaboration in some fields in the mutual interest of both countries.

Dr Moni noted the exceptionally successful performance of Sri Lankan companies in the service sector in Bangladesh, and said that further development is possible in this sphere.

With regard to mutual assistance in respect of training programmes, Prof Peiris referred to the large number of students from Sri Lanka, especially in medicine, receiving training in Chittagong and elsewhere in Bangladesh and characterized this as a contribution of distinct value. Dr Moni, for her part, requested additional facilities for training in Sri Lanka in the nursing sector - a suggestion which Prof Peiris readily agreed to act upon.