COLOMBO (MNN); Pakistan and Sri Lanka have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral relations and broaden cooperation across multiple sectors during the 13th session of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Joint Economic Commission (JEC) held in Colombo.
The Pakistani delegation was led by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan, according to an official statement.
A major outcome of the meeting was the decision to establish a Joint Working Group on IT and the Digital Economy, reflecting both countries’ commitment to collaborate in emerging technologies and digital transformation.
Delegates discussed ways to expand industrial cooperation and enhance bilateral trade in key sectors, including pharmaceuticals, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), agriculture and livestock, higher education, health, and science and technology.
Sri Lanka invited Pakistani pharmaceutical companies to explore investment opportunities in the country, while both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration in the SME sector. Progress was also reported in agriculture and livestock, with discussions on trade in meat and seeds.
Under the framework of the JEC, Pakistan and Sri Lanka agreed to promote Pakistan as a higher education destination for Sri Lankan students and enhance cooperation in the health sector through joint research, pharmaceutical initiatives, and regulatory coordination.
Additionally, Pakistan offered assistance to Sri Lanka in shipbuilding and maritime training as part of broader efforts to diversify bilateral engagement.
The session concluded with both sides emphasizing their commitment to maintaining continuous dialogue and ensuring that agreed initiatives translate into concrete outcomes, strengthening the partnership between the two nations.
