Dhaka, Colombo for boosting trade and investment ties

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have laid emphasis on strengthening collaboration across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, ICT, education, and tourism.

Both sides expressed interest in deepening ties when High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody paid a courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at his office in Dhaka on Tuesday, the foreign ministry said in a press release.

During the meeting, various bilateral issues of mutual interests were discussed.

Highlighting the strength of Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry, the foreign adviser stressed that Sri Lanka could greatly benefit by increasing its import of pharmaceutical products from Bangladesh.

The high commissioner highlighted recent collaborative initiatives between the two countries and briefed the adviser on Sri Lankan businesses and investments in Bangladesh.

On the upcoming visit of a trade delegation from Bangladesh to Sri Lanka at the end of June, it is expected that the visit will foster interaction and engagement between business communities from both countries.

Dharmapala appreciated that a large number of Bangladeshi tourists visit Sri Lanka every year.

He thanked the adviser for his participation in the 24th Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers, held virtually on 21 May.

The significance of conducting the next round of foreign office consultations at an early date was also emphasised.