Colombo: The Pakistan-Sri Lanka Business Forum (PSLBF), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Karachi, organized a visit for a Pakistan business delegation to Sri Lanka from October 28 to 31, 2024. The delegation, comprising 18 members from 15 companies in the export, import, and investment sectors, aimed to strengthen business relations between the private sectors of both countries.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka, the program in Colombo was facilitated by the Sri Lanka Pakistan Business Council (SLPBC), which hosted a Pakistan Business Forum on October 29 at Hilton Colombo Residencies. Key strategies to promote bilateral trade and investments were discussed during the forum, including leveraging free trade agreements and streamlining trade processes.

The event was attended by Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi, Jagath Abeywarna; SLPBC President, Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa, and Council members; PSLBF President, Muhammad Rehan, along with other private sector repres
entatives. Following the forum, a B2B session was held to facilitate direct interaction and networking among private sector companies from both countries.

A key highlight of the visit was the courtesy call paid on Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya at her office. Discussions focused on increasing collaboration between the private sectors of Sri Lanka and Pakistan to further enhance trade relations between the two countries. The meeting was attended by key officials, including Secretary to the Prime Minister, G. Pradeep Saputhanthri; Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, M.M. Nayeemudeenand; Acting Director General (South Asia and SAARC) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Niluka Kadurugamuwa.

The delegation also engaged in productive discussions with the Governor of the Western Province, Hanif Yusuf, and High Commissioner of Pakistan in Colombo, Major General (R) Faheem Ul Aziz.

Throughout the visit, the delegation expressed interest in fostering partnerships in sectors such as automobile compone
nts, rubber products, agricultural goods, and electrical and electronics. Additionally, they explored the possibility of partnerships in the services sector, while establishing valuable business contacts that will play a significant role in enhancing bilateral trade and investment collaborations between the two countries.