Sri Lanka Pakistan trade relations are set to deepen following high-level discussions between officials from both countries, with agreements reached to expand investment, strengthen entrepreneurship, promote technology exchange and improve market access for key export sectors.
Sri Lanka Pakistan trade talks focus on investment, exports and entrepreneurship partnerships
The initiatives were agreed during a meeting held on 3 July between Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi and Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Major General (Retd.) Dr. Nayyar Naseer, at the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development.
The discussions centred on expanding economic cooperation while creating new opportunities for businesses, investors and entrepreneurs in both countries. Officials explored practical measures to strengthen commercial ties and unlock greater collaboration across multiple industries.
A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to introduce exchange programmes through Sri Lanka’s Entrepreneurship Development Authority in partnership with counterpart organisations in Pakistan’s Punjab and Karachi regions. The initiative is expected to strengthen entrepreneurship cooperation by promoting knowledge sharing, business development and capacity building between entrepreneurs in both countries.
The two sides also agreed to establish technology exchange programmes in the gem and jewellery sector through Sri Lanka’s National Gem and Jewellery Authority. The collaboration aims to improve industry expertise, encourage innovation and support greater value addition within one of Sri Lanka’s key export industries.
Trade development featured prominently during the discussions, with both delegations acknowledging the need to reverse the recent decline in Sri Lankan tea exports to Pakistan. Officials agreed to work together to address existing challenges affecting trade while identifying practical solutions to improve market access.
In addition, both countries agreed to remove obstacles delaying the export of Sri Lankan pineapples and avocados to Pakistan. Facilitating the early entry of these agricultural products into the Pakistani market is expected to create new opportunities for Sri Lankan exporters while diversifying bilateral trade.
To further strengthen Sri Lanka Pakistan trade, both governments agreed to organise a dedicated business forum in Pakistan with the support of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB). The forum will provide an opportunity for Sri Lankan exporters and Pakistani businesses to establish direct commercial relationships, explore partnerships and identify new investment opportunities.
The initiative is expected to enhance business-to-business engagement across priority sectors while supporting greater collaboration between private sector stakeholders in both countries.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner also expressed interest in increasing the visibility of Sri Lankan products within the Pakistani market. Discussions examined strategies to expand the presence of Sri Lankan goods while encouraging stronger commercial partnerships between exporters and distributors.
Investment cooperation formed another important component of the meeting. Officials explored opportunities to increase Pakistani investment in Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, recognising the sector’s potential for long-term growth and industrial development.
Expanding bilateral investment in pharmaceuticals could contribute to strengthening local manufacturing capacity while creating new opportunities for technology transfer, employment generation and regional supply chain development.
The meeting reflected the longstanding economic relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which already benefit from a Free Trade Agreement that has supported trade and investment over the years. Both countries expressed their commitment to building on this foundation through closer institutional collaboration and expanded private sector engagement.
Participating in the discussions were Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundera, Export Development Board Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, Pakistan High Commission Trade and Investment Attaché Mahwash Sami, together with senior officials representing the Ministry and the Pakistan High Commission.
The latest agreements signal a renewed commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka Pakistan trade through practical initiatives that support exports, investment, innovation and entrepreneurial development. As both countries move forward with the agreed programmes, the partnerships are expected to create new opportunities for businesses while contributing to broader regional economic cooperation.