Sri Lanka and Bangladesh discuss ways to enhance trade and investments

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh last week discussed ways to enhance trade and investments between the two countries.

Bangladesh High Commissioner Tareq Md Ariful Islam who called on the Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on Friday said Bangladesh would commence discussions with Sri Lanka to enter into shipping sector as Sri Lankan ports are being used for substantial amount of global exports and imports of Bangladesh.

He said Bangladesh could learn from the Sri Lankan fisheries sector as it has vast experience in fishing and fish industry. He said Bangladesh could hire fishing vessels and fishing experts from Sri Lanka to expand its fishing industry and Sri Lanka could earn foreign exchange by such businesses.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction about the Sri Lankan workforce in the apparel industry in Bangladesh and growth of Sri Lankan investments in that country.

He said Bangladesh has the opportunities to invest in energy, fisheries and agricultural sectors in Sri Lanka.

They also discussed the plans for tourism promotion and expanding airlines’ flights as well as commencing passenger ships to expand tourism.

Prime Minister Gunawardena also thanked Bangladesh for extending assistance to Sri Lanka to meet the unprecedented economic and fiscal crisis and stressed the need for taking bilateral cooperation to new spheres.

Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake was present during the meeting.