Sri Lanka's High Commissioner in Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody emphasised the need to expand economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh by leveraging the long-standing and close bilateral partnership between the two countries. The High Commissioner conveyed this message during a meeting with the President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Mahbubul Alam in Dhaka on 21 January 2024.
The High Commissioner highlighted that there is considerable potential to export Sri Lankan products, including spices, value-added tea, coconut-based items, health care products and construction materials to Bangladeshi markets. Moreover, he requested the assistance and cooperation from the FBCCI to attract Bangladeshi investors to invest in the promising investment opportunities available for them in Sri Lanka, particularly in the sectors of Information Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Logistics Services in Ports and Shipping and Tourism.
FBCCI President Alam acknowledged the positive contribution made by Sri Lankan investments to the Bangladeshi economy and praised the presence of Sri Lankan professionals in influential positions within the corporate sector of Bangladesh. He also expressed optimism about more Sri Lankan investors benefiting from the Bangladesh government's plan to establish 100 special economic zones.
During the meeting, the High Commissioner and the FBCCI President also discussed the importance of exploring new initiatives to enhance cooperation in the field of the Blue Economy through mutually beneficial partnerships. Both parties affirmed their commitment in fostering stronger economic ties and identifying new avenues for collaboration by enhancing more connectivity and people to people contacts between the two nations.
Counsellor (Commercial) of the High Commission of Sri Lanka Srimali Jayarathna, FBCCI Vice Presidents Shomi Kaiser, Rashadul Hossain Chowdhury and Secretary General Md. Alamgir participated in the discussion.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Dhaka
23 January 2024
