The New Nation - Internet Edition

NATION BUSINESS REPORT

A 22 - member trade delegation from Sri Lanka headed by Export Development and International Trade Minister of Sri Lanka Prof G L Pieris held a meeting with the members of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Chamber Building in Motijheel on Monday.

Sri Lankan Minister in his address said, both the countries should try and explore more areas to develop bilateral. trade. He mentioned about his fruitful meeting with the Commerce Minister Lt. Col. Muhammad Faruk Khan psc (Retd) where they agreed to make a new beginning given the new context and stressed on the need for pragmatic approach towards enhancing trade between the two countries. He said, Sri Lanka is on the verge of getting a peaceful politic atmosphere after on going success of the government forces over the Tamil Tigers and Bangladesh getting a newly elected government after two long years. Both countries stand on the juncture of a new beginning.

He further pointed out that despite constraints Bangladesh witnessed a 13 percent growth in its export while it was 15 percent for Sri Lanka in November 2008.

He also mentioned about the Granleen Bank models being adopted by Sri Lanka to boost the micro credit sector. He lauded the role of the SME's and laid emphasis in assisting the SME's with capital for their growth.

In his speech Sri Lankan Ambassador to Bangladesh V. Krishnamoorthy said, Bangladesh is the fourth largest trading partner of Sri Lanka and there are enormous prospects of trade between the two countries. Stressing on the importance of Trade between the two countries, he informed that about twenty companies are now participating in the ongoing DITF in Dhaka.

In his address President of DCCI, Zafar Osman thanked the Sri Lankan Minister and members of the trade delegation for the visit to DCCI. He also thanked them for their participation in the on going International Trade Fair in Dhaka. He stressed the need for further cooperation between the two important countries of SAARC.

He mentioned about a recent study by ADB which says that complementarities of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India has increased over time.

He said in order to eradicate poverty in the region SAARC countries should increase intra-regional trade.

He also said, under SAFT A the two countries can increase their bilateral trade in service and manufacturing sectors.

He suggested enhancing Chamber to Chamber relations for exploring potentials in the fields of Textile, Agriculture and IT to be implemented by the Private Sector.

Immediate Past President of DCCI, Hussain Khaled said there arc opportunities to expand the trade between the two countries.

He drew the attention of the Sri Lankan Minister to introduce direct air flights between the two countries.

In his address Senior Vice-President of DCCI, M S Shekil Chowdhury extended his special thanks to the Sri Lankan trade delegation being the first such delegation to visit Bangladesh after the newly elected government" assumed power and hoped this will play an important role in enhancing business between the two countries.

DCCI Directors Syed Moazzem Hossain, AX. Khan Schezade, Conveners Abdul Haque and Osama Taser took part in discussion and drew the attention of the Minister regarding whole gamut of trade and commerce between the two countries and invited Hon'ble Ministers comments and suggestions to improve the situation. The Minister responded positively and informed them about Sri Lankan experience of how they achieved growth in education, trade and other sectors and the way Sri Lanka is meeting the challenges of the current global economic downturn.

Among others who were present in the meeting, were DCCI Vice-President Sirajuddin Malik, Directors and leaders of the business community.