Sri Lanka trade gap at $450m to $90m

Pakistan sells about $450 million worth of goods to Sri Lanka, while imports from the island nation are around $90 million, The Express Tribune reported. Sri Lanka’s Consul General in Karachi, PK Sanjeewa Pattiwila, said the difference points to room for stronger two-way commerce, despite a bilateral pact signed in 2005 that provides duty-free entry for both sides.

At the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he called for easing technical obstacles, revisiting trade restrictions and building closer links between companies. Pakistan’s shipments include cement and heavy materials; Sri Lankan goods include betel leaves, electrical and electronic items, garments and pineapples. KCCI President Talat Mahmood highlighted pharmaceuticals, textiles, rubber, plastics, engineering, surgical instruments and food processing as possible areas for joint ventures, while Pattiwila offered help on trade and visas.