Pakistan to participate in SL Expo 2012

Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy extremely cordial relations and these ties should be developed further. These views were expressed by Sri Lankan Consul General D. W. Jinadasa, at a meeting held to give details about Sri Lanka Expo 2012.Jinadasa said Sri Lanka Expo 2012 is a mega international trade exhibition to be held in Colombo from March 28 to 30.

He said the exhibition will showcase a wide range of Sri Lankan products to overseas buyers ranging from agricultural products to industrial products including apparel, rubber and rubber based products, spices, tea, coconut and coconut-based products, fruits and vegetables, fish and fishery products, ceramics and porcelain, boats, electrical and electronic products, printing and stationery, confectionery items, gems and jewellery and ICT.Jinadasa was of the view that Sri Lanka was emerging as a regional hub for trade, investment, tourism and related activities in this part of the world.

He added that ‘Symposiums on Investment and Tourism’ in which leading international investors and professionals will participate are also to be held parallel to this exhibition, to facilitate overseas investors and representatives in the tourism industry.

This event is expected to draw thousands of overseas buyers, investors and representatives from the tourism industry.Speaking about Pakistan-Sri Lanka trade relations, the Sri Lankan Consul General said Pakistan is the second largest trading partner of Sri Lanka in the SAARC region after India.

A substantial growth in bilateral trade has been observed in both directions, especially after the Free Trade Agreement was implemented in 2005.

The value of total trade between the two countries has increased from $158 million in 2005 to over $350 million in 2010 covering a wide range of products including new products, which indicates the potential that exists for expansion of bilateral trade.

He said the Sri Lanka Expo 2012 will be a good platform for the business communities of the two countries to explore new business opportunities in trade and investments.

This will be a unique opportunity for the Pakistani business community, investors and representatives in the tourism industry to meet with the Sri Lankan partners and establish business contacts.

Pakistan Observer