Lanka envoy proposes body to promote Pakistan ties

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan Vice Admiral Mohan Wijewickrama has suggested the establishment of a working group between the two countries to promote cooperation in trade, economic, tourism, political and defence sectors.

Addressing a function at the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Friday, the high commissioner said that Sri Lanka and Pakistan should launch joint initiatives and promote people-to-people contacts to strengthen economic and trade ties.

He said that Pakistan, especially the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, had vast opportunities to promote religious tourism.

Vice Admiral Wijewickrama said Pakistan and Sri Lanka had bright prospects for better economic and commercial relations.

Earlier, counsellor at the Sri Lankan High Commission in Islamabad UL Niyas highlighted investment opportunities available in his country.

SCCI president Mohammad Ishaq said that immense potential existed to boost up economic and trade relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

He said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was a lucrative destination for foreign investors, where vast opportunities were available for making investment in potential sectors.

The SCCI chief said that joint efforts were needed to enhance trade between the two countries.

“Both Sri Lanka and Pakistan are facing common challenges in economic and other fronts, which should be tackled by collaboration, exchange of business community, and benefits from each other’s experiences,” he said.