The Pakistan-Sri Lanka Business Forum is poised to be the game changer in accelerating bilateral trade and investment between the two SAARC countries. There is an imperative need to revisit the Free Trade Agreement so that businessmen and investors in both countries can seriously endeavor to enhance trade and take advantage of the facilities and incentives offered by both the governments.”
This was stated by Tarek Khan, President of PSLBF, while addressing the members of the Executive Committee. Tarek Khan further added that PSLBF has organised the most trade delegations to Sri Lanka and is the only bilateral forum that has the honor of hosting meetings with two Presidents of Sri Lanka.
He said that PSLBF has facilitated and hosted many trade delegations from Sri Lanka. He also said that PSLBF is formulating a workable strategy to enhance trade and investment. He also desired that there is a need to attract more businessmen as members of PSLBF.
D W Jinadasa, Consul General of Sri Lanka and Patron of PSLBF stated that the Consulate has played a prominent role in improving trade. He disclosed that a large number of Sri Lankan businessmen will participate in the Expo Pakistan later this year.
He also said that there will be Sri Lankan participation in My Karachi exhibition being organised by KCCI in July. He offered the services of the Consulate in resolving trade and investment issues faced by Pakistani businessmen. He also said that the Consulate will assist in facilitating trade delegations to exhibitions in Sri Lanka.
Majyd Aziz, Founder Chairman of PSLBF, advised that the Forum should increase its interaction with Sri Lankan Chambers and Associations, government officials, and political representatives so that the fruits of FTA are realised.
He also said that opportunities must be given to businessmen to have business to business meetings in Karachi and Lahore so that trade relationships are further developed. He also stated that the goodwill for Pakistan in Sri Lanka must be used to enhance trade, especially when FTA advantages are already available.
Abdul Rauf Tabani, Farrukh Mazhar, Iqbal Shekhani, Aslam Pakhali, Abdul Wahab, and Babar also participated in the deliberations and offered suggestions and ideas to improve the working of PSLBF. Later, Tarek Khan hosted a dinner for all members of PSLBF.
