Sri Lanka keen to enhance trade with Pakistan

Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi, Pakistan Jagath Abeywarna says Sri Lanka and Pakistan have good trade and diplomatic relations, which can be enhanced with joint efforts of both the countries.

Consul General in Karachi Jagath Abeywarna highlighted that the total trade volume between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is $400 million and encouraged Pakistan exporters to make business delegations in order to expand exports to Sri Lanka.

Exchanging views at a meeting with Pakistan Yarn Merchants Association (PYMA), the Consul General stressed that collaboration between businessmen of both countries is the need of the day.

Consul General Jagath Abeywarna noted that major items of exports tea and coconut were exported by Sri Lanka to different countries, and $11 million were exported to Pakistan in 2021.

He said however the income from the tourism sector was only $3 million.

Meanwhile, Vice Chairman PYMA Sohail Nisar said Pakistan stands as Sri Lanka’s second-largest trading partner in South Asia.

He therefore stressed the need to promote air and sea connectivity between the two countries to strengthen cooperation in trade and industry.

Sohail Nisar added that Pakistani products especially pharmaceuticals, rice, fruits, vegetables, cement and garments have a wide scope in the Sri Lankan market.

Similarly, Sri Lankan tea, wall tiles, floor tiles etc. have a wide scope in Pakistan