Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday, 12 November 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka hosted a dinner-reception in honour of the visiting Federal Commerce Minister of Pakistan Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan in Colombo on Tuesday.
Minister for Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister for Ports and Shipping Arjuna Ranatunga, Minister of Public Administration and Management Ranjith Madumma Bandara, Minister for Fisheries Mahinda Amaraweera, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thilanka Sumathipala, Deputy Minister Sudharshini Fernandopulle, Malik Samarawickrama, Minister of Development Strategy and International Trade, Minister for Transport Nimal Siripala, Mayor of Colombo, members of the Pak-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Association, high-ranking Government officials, the President and members of the Sri Lankan-Pakistan Trade Investment and Friendship Association and the Sri Lanka-Pakistan Business Council as well as top business personalities from Pakistan and Sri Lanka attended the reception.
In his welcome address, High Commissioner of Pakistan Syed Shakeel Hussain said that the visit of Pakistan’s Commerce Minister would boost the strong existing bilateral ties between the two nations.
Khan, while addressing the gathering, thanked the people and Government of Sri Lanka for warm welcome and hospitality extended to him. He said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka had been enjoying exceptionally cordial and friendly ties.
The Commerce Minister underscored the need to explore ways to broaden as well as deepen economic ties through enhancement of trade and bilateral investments, within the framework of the Free Trade Agreement.
Khan said that he had brought four significant and pleasant pieces of information from Pakistan for its Sri Lankan friends which are related to strengthening of democracy in Pakistan, successful tackling of violent terrorism and return of peace, revival of economy, and steps to eliminate the power and energy crisis.
The Minister also highlighted the potential of the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor to enhance growth, development and connectivity of the south Asia region.
The Minister of Commerce will be heading the Pakistani delegation at the delegation level talks with his Sri Lanka counterpart, besides attending the high-level Business Interaction Forum during the remaining part of his Sri Lankan visit.
