Sri Lankan CG advocates for a proactive approach to trade

Sri Lanka’s consul general in Karachi, P K Sanjeewa Pattiwila, has urged Pakistan and Sri Lanka to tackle trade barriers and step up business engagement, Business Recorder reported. Speaking at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, he said the 2005 bilateral trade agreement and duty-free access had not delivered trade at its full potential.

Pakistan’s exports to Sri Lanka are about USD450 million, compared with Sri Lankan shipments to Pakistan of around USD90 million, according to the report. Pakistani exports include cement and other heavy materials, while Sri Lankan goods include garments, electrical products, betel leaves and pineapples. The consul general called for resolving technical obstacles and taxes, while KCCI President Talat Mahmood highlighted cooperation opportunities in pharmaceuticals, textiles, rubber, plastics, engineering, surgical instruments and food processing.