Dhaka, Colombo to sign PTA to improve trade, connectivity

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are looking to sign a preferential trade agreement (PTA) as they seek to improve trade relations and connectivity, both via air and sea.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and his Sri Lankan counterpart Prof Gamini Lakshman Peiris held a meeting at the State Guest House Padma in Dhaka in this regard today.

Peiris is visiting Dhaka to attend the Council of Ministers' Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), to be held on November 17 in the capital.

The two ministers emphasised on expeditious conclusion of PTA and enhancing trade and commerce between the two countries, while also further strengthening air and maritime connectivity for the greater benefit of the two peoples.

Peiris at the time sought collaboration in the areas of e-commerce, involvement in the digital sector through sharing of Bangladesh's expertise.

Momen mentioned Bangladesh's success in the medicine sector and urged his Sri Lankan counterpart to import pharmaceutical products from Bangladesh.

Both the ministers noted the ongoing cooperation under IORA, maritime cooperation, maritime security, blue economy, climate change, prevention of overexploitation of marine resources, among others.

They also pledged to explore possible collaboration between the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University of Bangladesh and the National Institute of Oceanographic Marine Sciences of Sri Lanka.

Momen said Bangladesh attaches high importance to its relations with Sri Lanka which, he termed excellent, based on the historical linkages, friendship, and commonalities of views and shared vision of prosperity.

He particularly stressed further cooperation in the sectors like trade and commerce, investment, tourism, connectivity, agriculture, fisheries, education, and people to people contact.