LAHORE (Special Correspondent) – Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan, Rear Admiral (Retd.) Fred Senevirathne, on October 31, called for strengthening Pakistan Sri Lanka trade ties and economic cooperation, urging the translation of longstanding friendly relations into increased commercial engagement and investment at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

Key Points

• High Commissioner Fred Senevirathne invited Pakistani businessmen to explore investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.
• LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar proposed exchanging trade delegations and holding single-country exhibitions.
• Emphasis was placed on promoting business-to-business (B2B) contacts and strengthening chamber-to-chamber relations.
• Lahore was highlighted as a vibrant business hub contributing significantly to Pakistan’s exports.

High Commissioner Senevirathne, speaking at the LCCI, stressed the importance of strengthening economic engagement so that the friendly relations between the two countries could also produce greater benefits for their business communities. He specifically invited Pakistani businessmen to explore the trade and investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka and develop closer commercial relationships with their Sri Lankan counterparts. The LCCI President, Ali Hussam Asghar, delivered the address of welcome and provided a detailed overview of Pakistan’s economy. Senior Vice President Sardar Usman Ghani and Vice President Chaudhry Khadim Hussain also addressed the gathering.

Strengthening Economic Engagement

LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar noted that Pakistan and Sri Lanka share cordial and longstanding relations, which provide a robust foundation for expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation. He emphasized that both nations need to exert greater efforts to convert these amicable ties into tangible business opportunities, thereby strengthening Pakistan Sri Lanka trade ties.

Proposals for Enhanced Bilateral Trade

Mr. Asghar proposed the exchange of trade delegations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka to help businessmen understand each other’s markets, identify potential partners, and explore new avenues of cooperation. He also suggested organizing single-country exhibitions in both Pakistan and Sri Lanka to showcase products, services, and investment opportunities, enabling companies to establish direct business contacts. The LCCI President highlighted Lahore’s significance as a vibrant business and commercial hub and a substantial contributor to Pakistan’s exports. He asserted that stronger engagement with Sri Lankan businesses could open new avenues for Pakistani exporters and investors, while also providing opportunities for Sri Lankan companies to explore the Pakistani market.

Promoting Business-to-Business Connections

Mr. Asghar further underscored the need to promote business-to-business (B2B) contacts and reinforce chamber-to-chamber relations, explaining that direct interaction between business organizations can help identify areas of mutual interest and develop lasting commercial partnerships. He encouraged businessmen from both countries to explore opportunities for establishing business outlets in each other’s markets, which could improve market access and strengthen commercial presence. The LCCI President stressed the importance of sustained interaction between the business communities, noting that regular exchanges, exhibitions, and intra-chamber cooperation can play a meaningful role in expanding bilateral trade. He concluded that closer coordination between the chambers would help businesses identify practical opportunities and build stronger economic connections.

LCCI Senior Vice President Mr. Sardar Usman Ghani and Vice President Mr. Chaudhry Khadim Hussain also spoke on the occasion, exchanging views on further strengthening Pakistan–Sri Lanka economic relations and promoting greater cooperation between their respective business communities. Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka Yasin Joyia, former LCCI Vice Presidents Mian Zahid Javed and Haris Atiq, along with members of the LCCI Executive Committee including Ms. Huma Junaid, Shahzad Ali Shah, Muhammad Ali, Shahzad Mahmood, Mardan Ali Zaidi, Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali, Amir Ata Barry, Syed Yousaf Jamil, Ali Raza, Adeel Babar Khan, and Chaudhry Muhammad Fargham were also present at the event.