Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have agreed to speedily move forward the process of signing a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries to boost bilateral trade.
The decision came during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena held at Jakarta Convention Centre here on Tuesday on the sidelines of the first-ever Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Leaders’ Summit.
Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque briefed reporters after the meeting.
PM’s Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim and Secretary (Maritime Unit) of the Foreign Ministry Real Admiral (retd) M Khorshed Alam were, among others, present at the briefing.
Shahidul said the Prime Minister requested the Sri Lankan President to go ahead with the process of inking the FTA between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to promote and develop bilateral trade and commerce.
Mentioning that the process of signing an FTA between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is at the very preliminary stage of discussion, he said both the leaders agreed to take forward the move speedily to sign the deal.
Sheikh Hasina and Maithripala Sirisena discussed various avenues of bilateral relations, especially the way to expand and strengthen the ties further.
The Prime Minister again invited the Sri Lankan President to visit Bangladesh at his convenient time, the Foreign Secretary said, adding: “We’re hopeful that the Sri Lankan President will visit Bangladesh in the middle of this year.”
The bilateral trade volume was just $75.45 million in fiscal 2015-16. During this period, Bangladesh’s trade deficit was $15.55 million.
Since 2012-13, the trade balance has been in Sri Lanka’s favour.
source:UNB
