Monday, 17 February 2014 00:00
-
- {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka will hold a presentation/discussion on ‘Bilateral Trade between Sri Lanka and Pakistan’ with the participation of the High Commissioner of Pakistan, Qasim Qureshi as Special Guest Speaker on Thursday 20 February 2014 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Chamber Auditorium, 450 D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo -10. The High Commissioner will be accompanied by the First Secretary of the High Commission. They will give a presentation on the current business trend, trade potential, opportunities for export, import, investment and other services available for Sri Lankans in Pakistan. The participants will also get an opportunity for discussion and interaction with the High Commission officials at the event.
According to the Department of Commerce, Pakistan is the second largest trading partner of Sri Lanka in the SAARC region. Lankan exports to Pakistan topped $ 42.97 million from January to June in 2013 and more importantly, registered a 27% surge from 2010, $ 60.38 million to $ 82.75 million by 2012. The total trade has increased from US$ 158 million in 2005 to US$ 433.69 million in 2012 (and from January to June 2013, at $ 289.23 million).
Major items exported to Pakistan from Sri Lanka:
Tea, rubber and products, coconut , betel leaves/nuts, fruits /vegetables, spices, confectionary herbal/cosmetic products, paints, activated carbon, ceramic, knitted fabrics
Major items imported from Pakistan to Sri Lanka:
Textile fabrics, rice, cement, pharmaceuticals, dried fish, rice, potatoes, foodstuffs, sugar, transportation equipment, iron steel, electrical machines and apparatus.
Sri Lanka also wants Pakistan’s assistance when it comes to the agriculture sector, and developing the livestock sector. Likewise, authorities in Islamabad are seeking expertise from Sri Lankans in developing the gem stone sector as Sri Lanka possesses the technology and expertise to cut stones. For reservation contact Chamber 4741788 Fouad email [email protected].
