Reza Mahmud :
A 22-member high-profile business delegation from the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) departed for Colombo, Sri Lanka yesterday, embarking on a four-day visit aimed at fostering stronger bilateral trade ties and exploring new avenues for investment cooperation between the two South Asian nations.
Led by DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed, this strategic mission reflects the growing interest of Bangladesh’s private sector in deepening economic engagement with Sri Lanka, a country that shares historical, cultural, and trade linkages with Bangladesh. The delegation’s primary objectives include enhancing business-to-business connectivity, identifying potential sectors for joint ventures, and advocating for greater cross-border trade and investment flow between the two economies.
During the visit, the DCCI team is scheduled to participate in several bilateral business forums, interactive networking events, and B2B matchmaking sessions. Key engagements will include discussions with major Sri Lankan trade bodies such as the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka, the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka. These meetings are expected to serve as crucial platforms for fostering direct commercial partnerships and building mutual confidence between entrepreneurs from both countries.
Business leaders are hopeful that huge potentials between the two countries will be easy to cope through this trip.
When contacted, DCCI former President Ashraf Ahmed on Monday told The New Nation, “There are significant opportunities for bilateral trade and investment growth between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.”
He said both countries share a number of common challenges and complementary economic strengths. We can both learn from each others experience, cooperate to open new markets and opportunities. Sector such as logistics, finance , consumer goods and hospitality are of special interest to entrepreneurs of both countries.
Ashraf Ahmed said, “People to people exchanges, specially among entrepreneurs help open new vistas for cooperation, and trade bodies are best suited for organizing such events.”
In addition to interactions with the private sector, the DCCI delegation will also hold meetings with high-ranking government officials of Sri Lanka, including the Minister of Industries, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Deputy Minister of Finance.
