Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday expressed desire for further enhancing bilateral cooperation with Sri Lanka, saying the convention of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) after a gap of six years was a welcome sign.
Talking to a Sri Lankan delegation headed by Rishad Bathiudeen, Sri Lankan Minister for industry and commerce at the PM’s House, Gilani said the JEC should meet every year to expand the scope of bilateral economic and commercial relations. Both countries have been involved in concerted efforts to increase bilateral trade since the signing of the Free Trade Agreement. Pakistan’s exports to Sri Lanka have touched $300 million mark while imports are around $50 million.
The prime minister said Pakistan looked forward to greater cooperation in the fields of education and science and technology. Appreciating the high quality of the Sri Lankan gems and jewellery sector, the prime minister desired technical assistance to develop Pakistan’s gems and jewellery industry with the same professionalism as in Sri Lanka.
