12th Session of Pakistan - Sri Lanka Joint Economic Commission (JEC) held virtually to discuss the bilateral economic ties on 3rd February, 2021.

 

PRESS RELEASE

12th Session of Pakistan - Sri Lanka Joint Economic Commission (JEC) held virtually to discuss the bilateral economic ties.

 

February 03, 2021, Islamabad: The 12th Session of Pakistan – Sri Lanka Joint Economic Commission (JEC) virtually held to discuss the bilateral economic relationships. Mr. Noor Ahmed, Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs headed the Pakistani delegation while Mrs. Kanthi Gunewardhane, Secretary, Ministry of Trade led the delegation of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Pakistan delegation comprised of senior officers of Ministries  of Economic Affairs, Information & Technology ,Industries and Productions,  Foreign Affairs, Commerce, Finance,  FBR ,BOI, representative of   FPCCI and senior counterpart officers of Sri Lankan side.

The Secretary, EAD welcomed the participants and highlighted that the relations between Sri-Lanka and Pakistan are based on our shared understanding on a wide range of regional and international issues. Both countries are pursuing the goals of global peace and regional harmony. The friendship between the two sides is enduring and is based on the principles of mutual respect and support for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Acting Secretary Ministry of Trade from Sri Lankan side highlighted the already  cordial and friendly historic relations between the two countries which are time tested in Cultural, Commercial, economic, political and strategic cooperation. Pak Sri Lankan side  agreed to further enhance  these relations  between the two countries. Sri Lankan side thanked Pakistan for support on political and strategic issue to Sri Lanka at regional and global levels. She praised Pakistan for hosting the JEC in virtual mode in difficult pandemic situation.

The meeting mainly focused on economic cooperation in various sectors including trade & investment and industrial cooperation. Both the sides discussed the avenues for strengthening bilateral economic ties. It was highlighted that the existing level of bilateral trade is much below its potential and agreed to enhance the bilateral trade. Pakistan offered to upgrade the sugar and cement industry of Sri Lanka since after having attained a sizeable capacity in manufacturing machinery. Both sides agreed to further enhance cooperation in the field of information technology and also agreed to hold the next session in Colombo in 2022.

Mr. Noor Ahmed thanked the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and assured the continuous support for further strengthening the bilateral ties. Mrs. Kanthi Gunewardhane, on behalf of Sri Lanka, expressed her desire to enhance the economic cooperation with Pakistan in future.