Sri Lankan Minister for Industry and Commerce, Mr. Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister for Ports Shipping Mr. Arjuna Ranatunga, Minister of Public Administration and Management Mr Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Minister for Fisheries, Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mr. Thilanka Sumathipala, Deputy Minister Mrs. Sudharshini Fernandopulle, Malik Samarawickrama, Minister of Development Strategy and International Trade, Minister for Transport, Mr. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Mayor of Colombo, members of Pak Sri Lanka parliamentary association, high ranking government officials President and members of Sri Lankan Pakistan Trade Investment and Friendship Association, Sri Lanka Pakistan Business Council as well as top business personalities from Pakistan and Sri Lanka attended the reception.
In his welcome address, the High Commissioner of Pakistan Syed Shakeel Hussain said that the visit of Pakistan’s Commerce Minister will boost the strong existing bilateral ties between the two nations.
Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, while addressing the gathering, thanked the people and government of Sri Lanka for warm welcome and hospitality extended to him. He said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been enjoying exceptionally cordial and friendly ties.
The Commerce Minister underscored the need to explore ways to broaden as well as deepen the economic ties, through enhancement of trade and bilateral investments, within the framework of the Free Trade Agreement.
Minister Khurram Dastgir said that he had brought 4 significant and pleasant pieces of information from Pakistan for the Sri Lankan friends which are related to strengthening of democracy in Pakistan, successful tackling of violent terrorism and return of peace, revival of economy, and steps to eliminate Power and energy crisis.
The Minister also highlighted the potentials of Pakistan China Economic Corridor to enhance growth, development and connectivity of the south Asia region.
The Minister of Commerce will be heading the Pakistani delegation at the delegation level talks with his Sri Lanka counterpart Minister, besides attending the high level Business Interaction Forum during the remaining part of his Sri Lankan visit.
