Sri Lanka, Pakistan should utilise full potential of FTA: Pakistan PM

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka can collaborate to achieve the objectives of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Prime Minister Sharif made this remark when the President of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Friendship Trade and Investment Association Iftikhar Aziz, called on him at PM House in Islamabad on Friday.

While recalling a meeting with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum earlier this year, the Pakistani PM said Pakistan and Sri Lanka could collaborate for the achievement of SAARC objectives.

“Both countries should utilise the full potential of a free trade agreement,” emphasised the Prime Minister. “Our Government has provided comprehensive facilitation and protection of returns to investors as is evident from the pace of development projects,” stated the PM.

The Prime Minister conveyed his deep appreciation to Aziz over the invaluable gift of corneas for the people of Pakistan. Aziz presented 10 corneas to the Prime Minister, 10 corneas to the Chief Minister of Punjab and five corneas to the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Aziz confirmed that he would be able to provide additional corneas in the next two weeks.

Prime Minister Sharif congratulated Aziz for receiving the Tamgha-e-Khidmat Award from the President of Pakistan. “This reflects the meritorious services that you have rendered towards the promotion of friendship, trade and investment between the two countries,” said the Premier. Aziz was accompanied by the Vice President and Secretary General of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Friendship Trade and Investment Association.