Pakistan and Sri Lanka concur to enhance economic collaboration.

On Wednesday, Pakistan and Sri Lanka reiterated their dedication to enhancing bilateral economic relations and broadening collaboration across several sectors during the 13th Session of the Pakistan–Sri Lanka Joint Economic Commission (JEC).

The Pakistani delegation was headed by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan, according to a news release.

Both parties reiterated their dedication to enhancing Pakistan–Sri Lanka relations and broadening collaboration across several sectors of shared interest.

The 13th Session of the ePakistan–Sri Lanka Joint Economic Commission (JEC) convened in Colombo.

A primary result of the event was the determination to organize a Joint Working Group on IT and Digital Economy, demonstrating both nations’ commitment to cooperation in emerging technologies and digital transformation.

The two parties also concurred to augment collaboration in sophisticated and creative technology domains.

Discussions focused on enhancing industrial collaboration and augmenting bilateral trade, with Sri Lanka encouraging Pakistani pharmaceutical businesses to investigate investment prospects.

Both nations articulated agreement on enhancing collaboration in the SME sector, acknowledging its crucial significance in economic development and job creation.

Substantial advancements occurred in the agriculture and livestock sectors, encompassing dialogues on meat and seed commerce. Progress has been made in settling the procedures for exporting Sri Lankan pineapple and avocado to Pakistan.

In the realm of education, both parties concurred to advocate for Pakistan as a destination for higher education prospects for Sri Lankan students.

The symposium emphasized the significance of collaborative research in science and technology, along with cooperation in advanced areas.

Collaboration in the health industry was emphasized, with a consensus to improve joint research, pharmaceutical partnerships, and regulatory alignment.

Maritime collaboration was also addressed, encompassing prospective alliances via Karachi and Gwadar ports. Pakistan extended assistance to Sri Lanka in shipbuilding and maritime training, hence expanding the breadth of bilateral cooperation.

The parties assessed advancements under the Pakistan–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and concurred on actionable measures to enhance bilateral trade volumes.

The successful convening of the 13th JEC session demonstrates the joint resolve of Pakistan and Sri Lanka to further their economic collaboration and convert goodwill into concrete economic results.