Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy extremely cordial relations and these ties should be developed further. These views were expressed by Sri Lankan Consul General Mr D Jinadasa at a meeting held to give details about Sri Lanka Expo 2012. Mr Jinadasa said the Sri Lanka Expo 2012, is a mega International Trade Exhibition to be held in Colombo from March 28th to 30th, 2012.
He said the exhibition will showcase a wide range of Sri Lankan products to overseas buyers ranging from agricultural products to industrial products including apparel, rubber and rubber based products, spices, tea, coconut and coconut based products, fruits and vegetables, fish and fishery products, ceramics and porcelain, boats, electrical and electronic products, printing and stationary, confectionary items, gems and jewellery and ICT/BPO/KP.
Speaking about Pakistan, Sri Lanka trade relations, the Sri Lankan envoy said Pakistan is the second largest trading partner of Sri Lanka in the SAARC region after India. A substantial growth in bilateral trade has been observed in both directions especially after the Free Trade Agreement was implemented in 2005. The value of total trade between the two countries has increased from $158 million in 2005 to over $350 million in 2010 covering a wide range of products including new products, which indicates the potential that exists for expansion of bilateral trade.
He said the Sri Lanka Expo 2012 will be a good platform for the business communities of the two countries to explore new business opportunities, in trade and in vestments. This will be a unique opportunity for Pakistani business community, investors and representatives in the tourism industry to meet with the Sri Lankan partners and establish business contacts.
