The proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will undoubtedly prosper the economic co-operation of both countries in the coming years. Sri Lanka-Bangladesh Business Co-operation Council, newly elected President Renuka Jayamanne said.
President Jayamanne was addressing the, Sri Lanka-Bangladesh Business Co-operation Council, AGM held in Colombo. National Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka, CEO Bandula Dissanayake and Sri Lanka- Bangladesh Business Cooperation Council, Past President Asela De Livera were among the distinguished guests.
Speaking further Jayamanne highlighted that Bangladesh and Sri Lanka has a history of 45 years diplomatic ties and this highly helped to strengthen the economic cooperation between the countries.
She said this economic relationship will further develop strength to strength in the years to come.
Speaking further on the Sri Lanka- Bangladesh economic investments President Jayamanne said Pharmaceuticals was the largest Bangladesh investment in Sri Lanka and the support given by the Bangladeshi Government to develop Lanka’s apparel sector note worthy. She also said that Sri Lanka is expected to be the Shipping and Logistics Hub and it would be beneficial for both Economies in the fruture. President Jayamanne said the ports of Chittagong in Bangladesh and the ports of Colombo and Hambantota in Sri Lanka are located nearly 1,515 nautical miles from each other and the linkages between these ports would facilitate shipping, tourism and investments between the two countries.
She also highlighted that Sri Lankan airlines flying regular direct flights between Colombo and Dhaka and this maritime connectivity will immensely help both countries to boost their economies.
Speaking on education and sports between the two nations, President Jayamanne said around 500 Sri Lankan students currently studying in Bangladeshi medical and dental colleges and in addition two hundred Bangladesh Buddhist monks presently receiving their education in Sri Lankan monastic schools (Pirivenas).
She said the Business Council is now planning to collaborate with various Bangladeshi institutes and key companies to strengthen economic ties further.
Speaking on the agricultural sector, she said that the Sri Lankan agricultural sector could be upgraded by sharing experience between agricultural institutes of both countries at grassroots levels.
“Our Business Council is now in the process of organizing a business delegation from Sri Lanka to Bangladesh by the end of next month with the objective of strengthening the economic cooperation between the countries.”
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