KARACHI – Pakistan’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Muhammad Saad Khattak during a visit to the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) said that Pakistani investors in Sri Lanka can invest in the construction, textile, pharmaceutical and tourism sectors. Sri Lanka is a poor country but there is ample opportunities for Pakistani investors, they need to understand the nature of the Sri Lankan market. KATI President Saleem-uz-Zaman, Senior Vice President Zaki Sharif, Vice President Nighat Awan, Chairman Standing Committee on Diplomatic Affairs Rashid Ahmed Siddiqui, Johar Qandhari, Abdul Sattar Sheikh, Shahid Lotfi and others were also present on the occasion.
Major General (Retd) Muhammad Saad Khattak said that last month organized a single country exhibition in which a number of Pakistani products were presented which received tremendous response. Construction, textile, medicine, rice, sugar, fruit and vegetable products can be imported there, while investment can also be made in the tourism sector, he added.
He said despite Corona, the Sri Lankan government has provided an opportunity for investors to continue their business activities without quarantine by administering Corona vaccine, Business Community should take advantage of it. Exporters have not yet highlighted the potential in the Sri Lankan market.
Major General (Retd) Muhammad Saad Khattak further said that if KATI bring delegation of industrialists and investors for a visit to Sri Lanka, the Pakistani Consulate will provide them all possible facilities.
Earlier, KATI President Saleem-uz-Zaman said that trade between the two countries was very limited and the exchange of delegations was halted due to the epidemic situation. He said that trade could be significantly increased if facilities were provided to local investors.
Saleem-uz-Zaman said that Major General (Retd) Muhammad Saad Khattak is a capable and extensively experienced diplomat and such officers could increase the joint trade in many folds.
On the occasion, Rashid Siddiqui, Chairman KATI Standing Committee for Diplomatic Affairs, said that pharma products were now being imported from Pakistan to Sri Lanka while holding single country exhibitions could increase the trade volume.
He further said that if Pakistani diplomats and trade staff in other countries properly promote domestic products, it would possibly increase imports and facilitate access to international markets.
