Sri Lanka and Pakistan: Two fragrant flowers in the SAARC bouquet

Majyd Aziz
(Founder Chairman Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Forum)

As Founder Chairman of Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Forum, it is my proud privilege to present the compliments and warm greetings from the industrialists and businesspersons of Pakistan to the industrialists and businesspersons of Sri Lanka. The first Businessperson’s delegation organized by Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Forum would be in Colombo during March 13 to March 17, 2006. This is surely a milestone in the short history of this organization.

Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Forum is an initiative undertaken by the recently retired Sri Lankan High Commissioner, His Excellency General Srilal Weerasooriya, who in a meeting held in Karachi on February 05, 2004, the 56th National Day of Sri Lanka, announced the vital need for a forum to bring the business communities of both nations onto a common platform. The tremendous support and motivation offered by the Consul General in Karachi, Ms. Manel De Silva, paved the way for the vision to be a reality. The Forum members are committed to the enhancement of bilateral trade thru direct imports and exports, thru joint ventures, thru linkages, and thru facilitative undertakings.

Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Forum is privileged to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sri Lanka-Pakistan Business Council in Islamabad on February 09, 2005 in the presence of the erstwhile President of Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. Leading members of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, and the representatives of trade and industry of Pakistan also witnessed the ceremony.

Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Forum has been quite active since its inception. It has an Executive Committee that meets regularly and is undertaking efforts to boost bilateral trade, inculcate understanding of both the countries, and assisting members whenever needed. At the same time, it is pertinent to mention here that the Forum hosted a reception for the Sri Lankan Minister for Commerce, Consumer Affairs, Marketing Development, and Highways, His Excellency Mr Jeyaraj Fernandopulle. The Forum also helped the Sri Lankan Consulate General in organizing the Blood Donation program where many Sri Lankans based in Karachi donated blood, alongwith the two lady Consul Generals from Sri Lanka and Germany, for the earthquake victims of the northern areas of Pakistan.

Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Forum also appreciates the decision of the Sri Lankan government to open a Ceylon Tea Center in Karachi. This would introduce once again the excellent tea produced in Sri Lanka and would considerably boost its sales and acceptance. The Forum is of the opinion that there is also an imperative need to establish a Pakistan Exhibition Center in Colombo so that there is a one-window operation available to introduce and market Pakistany products and ideas.

Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Forum is looking forward to the visit of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapakse, President of Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka, to Pakistan in the coming months. The Forum sincerely requests His Excellency to include Karachi in his entourage’s itinerary so that the industrialists and businesspersons of Karachi can have the benefit of meeting him and listening to his ideas, programs, and vision for the prosperity of the SAARC region, in general, and Sri Lanka, in particular.

Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Forum wishes and prays that there is considerable economic prosperity, mutual goodwill, and regional security, so that the citizens of Sri Lanka and Pakistan can live in love, peace, and happiness.