Recently a 19-member business delegation from Pakistan visited Sri Lanka, representing diverse sectors with the aim of strengthening ties and fostering investments between the two nations. This visit was organized by the Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Forum (PSLBF) in collaboration with the Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi, Mr. Jagath Abeywarna. The PSLBF, based in Karachi, serves as the counterpart organization of the Sri Lanka–Pakistan Business Council (SLPBC).
The SLPBC hosted a business forum at Hilton Colombo Residencies, featuring engaging presentations by Ms. Manuka Perera, Assistant Director of the Market Development Division, Export Development Board and Mr. Prasanjith Wijethilaka, Executive Director of the Investment Promotion Department, Board of Investment,
both focusing on Sri Lanka’s current economic conditions.
Additionally, Mr. Asiri Peramunugama, Senior Manager at CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd, provided valuable insights into investment opportunities within the Port City Colombo project.
In his welcome speech, Mr. Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa, President of the SLPBC, highlighted Sri Lanka’s resilience amid economic challenges and reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to enhancing trade and investment through continued collaboration and exchanges.
An insightful presentation was delivered by Mr. Mansoor Arifeen, Chairman of Kold Karrier Limited, exploring potential opportunities in frozen food logistics and cold chain services between Sri Lanka and Pakistan and both parties emphasized the importance of delegation exchanges and strong business relationships to further bilateral trade and investment.
The Sri Lanka–Pakistan Business Council (SLPBC) actively participated in Expo 2024, Pakistan’s premier textile and leather exhibition, which attracted over 900 delegates from 55 countries. The Sri Lankan delegation, consisting of 28 leading companies, was led by the President of the Sri Lanka Business Council Mr. I.K. Rajapaksa and Ms. Mahwash Sami, the Trade and Investment Attaché at the Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka. The delegation’s participation underscored the Council’s commitment to fostering partnerships and strengthening collaboration in key industries. The best delegation award from the Asia and Oceanic Region was given to the Trade and Investment Attache of the Pakistan High Commission, Colombo, for bringing the best delegation. TDAP gave 4 high achievers awards for best performance and the Trade Wing, Colombo was the 2nd highest achiever with the second largest delegation from a country and the largest delegation from Asia and Oceanic Region, being ahead of countries like China, East Asian Nations, and Oceanic region.