Tuesday Jul 07, 2026
Tuesday Jul 07, 2026
Monday, 6 July 2026 05:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sri Lanka and Pakistan have agreed on a series of initiatives to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, including expanding trade, promoting investment, enhancing entrepreneurship and facilitating technology exchange, following high-level discussions held at the Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry.
The decisions were reached during a meeting between Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi and Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Major General (Retd.) Dr. Nayyar Naseer, on 3 July.
The discussions focused on deepening bilateral relations while creating new opportunities for trade, investment and entrepreneurship between the two countries.
Both sides agreed to implement exchange programs through the Entrepreneurship Development Authority with counterparts in Pakistan’s Punjab and Karachi regions. They also decided to initiate technology exchange programs in the gem and jewellery sector through the National Gem and Jewellery Authority.
The meeting also paid particular attention to reversing the decline in Sri Lanka’s tea exports to Pakistan and removing existing obstacles to facilitate the early commencement of pineapple and avocado exports to the Pakistani market.
As part of efforts to strengthen commercial ties, the two sides agreed to organise a special business forum in Pakistan with the support of the Export Development Board (EDB), enabling direct engagement between Sri Lankan exporters in selected sectors and Pakistani businesses.
The Pakistani High Commissioner also expressed interest in promoting Sri Lankan products in the Pakistani market, while discussions explored opportunities to further increase Pakistani investments in Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.
The meeting was attended by Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundera, Export Development Board Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, Pakistan High Commission Trade and Investment Attaché Mahwash Sami, and senior officials from the Ministry and the Pakistan High Commission.
