SL and B’desh explore possibility of FTA

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are exploring the possibility of entering into a free trade agreement (FTA), which will help strengthen the economic ties between the two nations.

A statement by the President’s Media Division yesterday said that discussions took place during the meeting between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who are in New Delhi, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Wickremesinghe highlighted the potential for such an agreement, following the conclusion of the India FTA.
The two leaders engaged in bilateral discussions, where Hasina assured her country’s commitment to assist Sri Lanka to modernised agriculture.

Additionally, Hasina pledged to direct private investors from Bangladesh towards investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, further fostering economic cooperation between the two countries. 
Consideration was given to the initiation of a passenger ferry service connecting Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.