SLPBC meets newly–appointed High Commissioner for Pakistan

The Executive Committee of the Sri Lanka-Pakistan Business Council (SLPBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce invited the newly appointed High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Major General Qasim Qureshi for a meeting held recently at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

Welcoming the High Commissioner, SLPBC President Rohitha Thilakaratne thanked the Government and the citizens of Pakistan for supporting Sri Lanka in many occasions as a friendly nation.  

With the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Pakistan and Sri Lanka signed in 2005, the committee stressed that both the countries should address the technical issues faced by importers and exporters in order to maximise the benefits of the FTA.  

The SLPBC acts as a technical committee and have represented the private sector companies at several sessions organised by the High Commission of Pakistan in Colombo and the Department of Commerce.  

Thilakaratne stated that the bilateral trade should reach the target of one billion US$, up from US$ 0.45 billion within the next three years.  

It was also discussed that in order to exploit its potential, Sri Lanka and Pakistan should invest in joint ventures in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, construction and leisure industry.

Addressing the committee, Qureshi mentioned that the economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan will be a priority in his agenda. The two countries have a close political and cultural relationship. Qureshi stated that it is important to extend this relationship to the economic domain as well. It was assured that the High Commission will give its fullest support to strengthen the bi-lateral relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

The SLPBC was incorporated in 1991 with a view to promote trade, investment, tourism and services between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The Council consisted of nearly 50 members and enjoys a close working relationship with the High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Colombo.  

The council act as a catalyst in planning, organising and coordinating events such as inward and outward delegations, organising business meetings, co-operation between chambers or business forums in Pakistan         Pakistani organisations or interested in entering into or promoting trade, tourism or joint ventures with Pakistani organisations.