Sri Lanka-BD trade relations continue to reach new heights

A high-level business delegation from the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), the largest and most vibrant business chamber in Bangladesh, visited Sri Lanka from 16 to 19 June 2025 to explore new trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.

The visit was co-organised and facilitated by the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Bangladesh. The delegation comprised representatives from 22 leading Bangladeshi companies, including prominent importers and exporters, and was led by Taskeen Ahmed, President of DCCI.

During the 3-day visit to Sri Lanka, the Bangladeshi business delegation participated in business forums and B2B sessions organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber of Commerce, held on June 17 and 18, respectively.

The DCCI, during the visit, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce with an aim to expand bilateral trade & investment and institutionalize cooperation to promote private sector linkages between the two countries.

Sunil Handunneththi, Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, graced the business forum organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce as the Chief Guest.

In addition, the delegation engaged in interactive discussions and B2B meetings organized by the National Chamber of Exporters, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the Sri Lanka National Arbitration Centre.

Addressing the two Business Forums, Taskeen Ahmed, President of DCCI, stated that despite the immense potential for trade and investment between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as members of the SAARC, the trade relationship of the two countries has not yet reached its desired level.

He emphasised that this potential can be harnessed by strengthening ties between the private sectors of both nations. Ahmed invited the Sri Lankan business community to consider investing in Bangladesh, particularly in key sectors such as logistics infrastructure, tourism, education, healthcare services, construction, renewable energy, agro-processing, and information technology.

Duminda Hulangamuwa, Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, and Anura Warnakulasooriya, the President of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka noted that the visit by the DCCI delegation was a timely and commendable initiative.

They emphasised that both countries should work proactively to enhance bilateral trade by leveraging the untapped potential that exists between the two economies.

Both the Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the President of the National Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka, invited Bangladeshi companies to invest in Sri Lanka.

Joining the business forums of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka virtually, Dharmapala Weerakkody, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh, highlighted that trade and economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh continues to show steady growth, with significant untapped potential.

He invited companies from both countries to explore new market opportunities and strengthen commercial partnerships to further expand bilateral trade. The High Commissioner also invited Bangladeshi companies to consider investing in Sri Lanka.

He also emphasized the importance of Bangladesh as a promising market for the Sri Lankan tourism industry.

During the visit, the Bangladesh delegation interacted with more than 150 Sri Lankan companies to explore new opportunities to further increase two-way trade and initiate joint ventures by harnessing promising investment opportunities between the two countries in a win-win situation.

The members of the Bangladeshi business delegation also paid calls on Hon. Arun Hemachandra, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Employment of Sri Lanka and Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning of Sri Lanka.

During the visit, the DCCI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce with an aim to expand bilateral trade & investment and institutionalize cooperation to promote private sector linkages between the two countries.