KARACHI: Consul General of Sri Lanka, P.K. Sanjeewa Pattiwila, while highlighting the need to safeguard both sides from potential business disputes arising from unverifiable or vanished entities, asked the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) to recommend credible and certified Pakistani companies for future collaborations with Sri Lankan enterprises.
Speaking at a high-level Business-to-Business Networking Session hosted by KCCI, the Consul General stressed that trade expansion must be accompanied by commercial security and corporate transparency.
“To strengthen trade relations between our two business communities, safety and reliability are of utmost importance.
I personally know of instances where disputes emerged simply because companies could no longer be traced,” he said. “Pakistan is home to many excellent and trustworthy firms, and I request the Karachi Chamber to play a stronger role in protecting the interests of both parties.”
Appreciating KCCI’s initiative in facilitating direct business engagement, the Consul General reaffirmed the deep historic friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. “Pakistan has always stood by Sri Lanka, and we value this unwavering support”, he noted. “Sri Lanka will always hold a place not only in your hearts but also in your businesses.”
He revealed that 24 Sri Lankan companies participated in this year’s FoodAg Exhibition, resulting in several promising partnerships in Karachi. “Among the delegates are the top ten Sri Lankan companies, highly reliable and committed individuals. I humbly request our Pakistani counterparts to fully engage with them, explore ideas, and identify what more can be accomplished together.”
Welcoming the Sri Lankan delegation, President KCCI Rehan Hanif described their visit to Pakistan for FoodAg Exhibition 2025 as a powerful symbol of the expanding partnership, trust, and goodwill between the two nations.
“Pakistan is proud to host an event that aligns with our national vision of playing a leading role in global food security,” he said, adding that Sri Lanka’s strong participation is deeply appreciated.
Rehan Hanif stressed the pressing need for deeper B2B linkages and urged both countries to explore collaborative opportunities in agriculture, food processing, tea, spices, fisheries, value-added textiles, pharmaceuticals, IT services, logistics, and tourism.
He emphasized that bilateral trade continues to fall short of true potential and must be expanded through joint ventures, enhanced shipping and logistics connectivity, technology transfer, research partnerships, and modern farming advancements.
While reaffirming KCCI’s full commitment to facilitating mutually beneficial collaborations, he said, “KCCI stands ready to support Sri Lankan businesses through matchmaking, trade delegations, information sharing, and assistance in navigating Pakistan’s regulatory framework.”
He also invited Sri Lankan delegates to participate in the upcoming ‘My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony’ International Exhibition, scheduled for 6–8 February 2026 at Expo Centre Karachi.
KCCI Senior Vice President Muhammad Raza, Chairman Diplomatic Missions & Embassies Liaison Subcommittee Ahsan Arshad Sheikh, and members of the Executive Committee were also present on the occasion.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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