Sri Lanka urgently need 50,000 head of cattle: Minister

Sri Lankan Minister for Industries and Commerce, Rishad Bathiudeen on Wednesday said that his country aims to boost economic, trade and commercial ties Pakistan. Sri Lanka is Pakistan's trading partner in Saarc and both the counties share common perceptions on many regional and global issues, the minister said while speaking to business community at Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry's (FPCCI), Capital Office.
He said that current trade volume between the two countries stands at $338 million, which could be increased by involving, encouraging and facilitating the private sector. He said that balance of trade has always been in favour of Pakistan, which is contributing in economic development of this brotherly country. Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jayalath Weerakkody, Chairman FPCCI Co-ordination, Raza Khan, Vice President ICCI, Hameed Akhtar Chadda, Tauseef Zaman, Shahid-ur-Rehman, government officials as well as businessmen of both countries were also present on the occasion.
The minister said both governments have agreed to provide enhanced opportunities to the private sector to interact and take benefit from untapped potential adding that plans to cement links and other steps to further encourage Pakistani investors are on the cards.
The Lankan Commerce Minister invited Pakistani investors to his country saying that strong post-war growth potential is an opportunity for everyone. The Sri Lankan minister said that his country urgently need fifty thousand head of cattle from Pakistan.
On the occasion, Raza Khan said that 8.1 percent growth, per capita GDP hike to $2400 and economic freedom standing at 57.1 proves that investors have trust in policies of Sri Lankan government. He said that decision to allow 100 percent ownership to foreign investors without needing a local partner will attract heavy investments in that geo-strategic placed country.
Visit of Rishad Bathiudeen will prove a significant milestone in the history of both countries and will go a long way in fastening the ties, said Raza Khan and assured him participation of Pakistani businessmen in international exhibition and business forum "Expo 2012," scheduled on March 2012.