LAHORE: High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne (retd), has called for stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, stressing the need to translate the longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries into increased commercial engagement, investment and business partnerships.
Speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the high commissioner invited the Pakistani businessmen to explore the trade and investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka and develop closer commercial relationships with their Sri Lankan counterparts. He stressed the importance of strengthening economic engagement so that the friendly relations between the two countries could also produce greater benefits for their business communities.
LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar proposed the exchange of trade delegations between the two countries to help businessmen understand each other’s markets, identify potential partners and explore new avenues of cooperation. He also suggested organizing single-country exhibitions in Pakistan and Sri Lanka to showcase products, services and investment opportunities, enabling companies to establish direct business contacts.
He said that stronger engagement with Sri Lankan businesses could open new avenues for Pakistani exporters and investors while providing opportunities for Sri Lankan companies to explore the Pakistani market. He stressed the need to promote business-to-business (B2B) contacts and strengthen chamber-to-chamber relations, explaining that direct interaction between business organizations could help identify areas of mutual interest and develop lasting commercial partnerships.
He also encouraged businessmen from both countries to explore opportunities for establishing business outlets in each other’s markets, which could help improve market access and strengthen commercial presence.
Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka Yasin Joyia, LCCI Senior Vice President Sardar Usman Ghani, Vice President Ch Khadim Hussain, former vice presidents Mian Zahid Javed, Haris Atiq, and members of the LCCI Executive Committee were also present on the occasion.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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