Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Direct marine connectivity could help strengthen bilateral trade and investment between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Sabur Khan said on Sunday.
"Direct marine connectivity between Chittagong and Mongla with Colombo as well as Trincomalee in Sri Lanka will surely boost the bilateral trade and investment of the two countries," he said when High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Bangladesh W A Sarath K Weragoda called on him at the DCCI office in Dhaka.
High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka Mohammad Sufiur Rahman was also present during the meeting.
The DCCI president said Bangladesh and Sri Lanka could play an important role in gearing up mutual trade and investment.
He stressed the need for taking joint efforts for removing all trade barriers between the two member countries of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
He called upon Sri Lanka to import more pharmaceuticals, handicrafts and jute products from Bangladesh considering the price competitiveness.
He also informed the Sri Lankan envoy that DCCI is planning to establish a 'help desk' on its premises to provide services relating to trade, commerce and business.
The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh said that Bangladesh may use the Hambantota Deep Sea Port of Sri Lanka.
He invited Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to invest in the pharmaceutical sector in Sri Lanka.
He also informed that Sri Lanka will host the Commonwealth Business Forum in November this year.
He invited Bangladeshi business people to participate in the upcoming Forum. The High Commissioner said that Sri Lankan entrepreneurs want to invest in Bangladesh.
BBN/SSR/AD-18Feb13-10:20 am (BST)
The High Commissioner of Bangladesh stressed better connectivity and policy support for increased trade.
He said that Bangladesh can export cauliflower and potato to Sri Lanka because there is immense demand for these in that country. He also stressed the need for effective implementation of SAFTA agreement.
DCCI Senior Vice President Nessar Maksud Khan, Vice President Absar Karim Chowdhury and Co-convener Kazi Sharwar Habib, among others, were present.