Lanka offers FTA to B’desh

Dhaka, July 14:

Sri Lanka has mooted a free trade agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh citing its positive experience with the ones it has signed with India and Pakistan. Sri Lanka expressed its “strong willingness” to have bilateral FTA and direct flights with Bangladesh to promote trade and investment in a win-win situation, UNB news agency said.

“We’re in negotiations with the Bangladesh on FTA and we are hopeful,” new Sri Lankan High Commissioner Vadivel Krishnamoorthy was quoted as telling a media conference by Bangladesh Observer newspaper.

He said Sri Lanka has bilateral FTA with India and Pakistan. “Our experience with India shows that bilateral trade has increased manifold with the signing of FTA following reduction of tariff,” he said.