Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have moved closer to their historic trade pact with as keen Bangladeshi private sector stepping in to accelerate it yesterday.

“I will meet our Commerce Minister who is very well meaning and serious, and inform him to expedite the FTA process,” International Chamber of Commerce of Bangladesh (ICCB)President Mahbubur Rahman, said in Colombo yesterday.

Rahman was addressing Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen during his courtesy call at the EDB in Colombo. Considered as a pioneer of Bangladeshi private sector, ICCB President Rahman, was the founder of the diversified group ETBL Holdings Ltd, and also Eastern Trading (Bangladesh), ETBL Development Construction and ETBL Securities & Exchanges Ltd amog other companies.

“I will personally meet Tofail Ahmed, our Commerce Minister who is very well meaning and serious; once he decides on anything he moves on it” said ICCB President Rahman, and added: From your side whatever steps are taken, he too will promptly reciprocate at his side. He also has been very supportive of our private sector since it’s the driver of our economy. Bangladeshi’s, in business or other activities, work with a kinship with Sri Lankans. I am also pleased to say that many Lankan investments in Dhaka are doing very well. For example, the Commercial Bank of Sri Lanka is doing so well there that even our businesses seek its assistance always.”

Responding to ICCB President Rahman, Minister Bathiudeen said: “We welcome your intervention and this will greatly boost bilateral efforts. In fact, we too agree that it is the private sector at both sides that would finally drive trade. I am pleased to inform you that the Department of Commerce under me has already completed the Trade agreement study report on our side and both parties have now exchanged their respective reports. We are ready for the nature of Agreement that you look forward to-whether a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) or a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).” 

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