Bangladesh, Sri Lanka explore trade, tourism cooperation
Dhaka: Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are exploring new opportunities to strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and tourism cooperation, with a focus on expanding private-sector partnerships and business-to-business engagement.
Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody discussed the prospects for closer economic ties with Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed at a meeting at the DCCI office in the capital on October 18, according to a statement from the high commission.
The discussions covered potential collaboration in pharmaceuticals, information technology, renewable energy, logistics, and tourism, among other emerging sectors.
The two sides emphasized the importance of stronger engagement between businesses in both countries to identify new commercial opportunities and expand trade and investment ties.
During the meeting, the Sri Lankan high commissioner briefed the DCCI president on Sri Lanka Expo 2027, scheduled for 14-17 January at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo.
Weerakkody invited the DCCI to facilitate the participation of a Bangladeshi business delegation at the international trade exhibition, which is expected to provide a platform for businesses to explore investment opportunities and establish commercial partnerships.
Taskeen welcomed the initiative and expressed a positive response regarding the participation of a business delegation, noting the potential to strengthen business-to-business links and expand bilateral trade and investment.
Tourism was among the sectors identified for greater cooperation, although the statement did not specify any concrete joint initiatives or targets.
The DCCI president also invited Sri Lanka to participate in the Bangladesh AI Business Summit 2026, scheduled for 5 November at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka. The summit is being organized by the DCCI in partnership with the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The meeting was also attended by Sri Lankan High Commission Second Secretary Gayanga Dias, DCCI Vice-President Md. Salem Sulaiman, and other senior officials.
