The second Joint Business Council Forum of Sri Lanka and Pakistan was held recently in Colombo. The forum, a joint initiative of the Sri Lanka-Pakistan Business Council (SLPBC) and Pakistan-Sri Lanka Business Council, which was formed last year aims to enhancing trade, investment and tourism opportunities between the two nations. It will also work towards ironing out trade issues.
The 18-member Pakistani delegation was led by President of the Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Council of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Imran Khalil.
President of the SLPBC, Rohitha Thilakarathna said, “The formation of the joint steering committee would assist both councils to resolve issues in the existing FTA and through public sector involvement to clear policy matters and make suggestions/recommendations to the concerned authorities.”
The leader of the Pakistan delegation, Imran Khalil said, “The forum will enable us to act as a technical committee to resolve issues and move forward. We believe that this is a very vital step towards the betterment of the two nations.”
“We urge the Sri Lanka authorities to resolve visa issuance delays experienced by Pakistani businessmen, who wish to visit Sri Lanka. We invite Sri Lanka to hold a Single Country exhibition in Pakistan in reciprocation to Pakistan’s gesture,” he said.
Chief Guest at the Forum, Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan, Dr. K. A. P. Sipra, said that the security situation in Pakistan has now improved and called on Sri Lankans to travel to Pakistan.
He also wanted Sri Lankan businessmen to look at areas such as precious stones, ornamental fish, fruits, apparel and non-traditional exports.