RAWALPINDI: High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan Rear Admiral (Retd.) Fred Senevirathne visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Wednesday and expressed the desire to expand economic cooperation and bilateral trade between the two countries.
According to an RCCI news release, he was accompanied by Deputy Head of Mission Christy Ruban and met members of the business community and the RCCI Executive Committee.
Welcoming the envoy, RCCI President Usman Shaukat briefed him on the Chamber’s activities and highlighted the long-standing diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka since 1948.
He said both countries were active members of SAARC and the Commonwealth of Nations, yet the full potential of their trade partnership remained largely untapped.
“Tourism and pharmaceuticals are key sectors for cooperation,” he noted.
In his address, the high commissioner said that Sri Lanka’s economic indicators were improving, with foreign exchange reserves, the national currency, and tourism showing stability.
“Key ports including Colombo, Hambantota, Galle, and Trincomalee are among the busiest in the region. Sri Lanka also boasts a skilled workforce and is well-connected globally through robust international transportation networks,” he added.
The envoy also gave a detailed presentation on Sri Lanka’s economy, reforms, and growth indicators, identifying priority sectors where enhanced bilateral collaboration could bring mutual benefits.
The meeting was attended by RCCI Vice President Fahad Barlas and a large number of its members, including those of the Executive Committee.
