🤝 Sri Lanka & Pakistan Agree to Boost Bilateral Trade and Investment

Sri Lanka and Pakistan have reached an agreement to expand trade, promote investments, and enhance entrepreneurship cooperation following high-level discussions between Industries Minister Sunil Handunneththi and Pakistan High Commissioner Dr. Nayyar Naseer. • Key Trade Initiatives: Focused on reversing the recent decline in Sri Lankan tea exports to Pakistan. Efforts are also underway to remove trade barriers to fast-track the launch of Sri Lankan pineapple and avocado exports to the Pakistani market. • Technology & Sector Exchange: Agreed to launch technology exchange programs in the gem & jewellery sector via the National Gem and Jewellery Authority. • Entrepreneurship & Networking: Planned exchange programs through the Entrepreneurship Development Authority targeting Pakistan’s Punjab and Karachi regions. The Export Development Board (EDB) will also support a special business forum in Pakistan to connect Sri Lankan exporters directly with Pakistani buyers. • Investment Opportunities: Discussions highlighted plans to further scale up Pakistani investments specifically targeting Sri Lanka's pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.