Pakistan is ready to collaborate with Sri Lanka’s new administration, emphasising the potential for joint venture projects in the fisheries industry, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Major General (R) Faheem Ul Aziz said.

The High Commissioner stated this when he called on Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar recently. This meeting marked an important step in fostering bilateral relations and exploring collaborative opportunities between the two nations, particularly in the fisheries sector. The High Commissioner presented a special gift from Pakistan’s Prime Minister to the Minister as a gesture of goodwill and friendship.

Discussions highlighted the underutilisation of the Sri Lanka-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, with the High Commissioner pointing out the untapped opportunities for exporting Tilapia Fish to Pakistan. He noted that Pakistan faces a growing demand for this particular fish, which Sri Lanka has the potential to supply, creating a mutually beneficial trade relationship.

The conversation also touched on Pakistan’s advanced expertise in biotechnology and the scope for sharing this knowledge with Sri Lanka to support innovation and sustainability in the fisheries sector.

Trade and Investment Attache Mahwash Sami, Pakistan High Commission Second Secretary Iftikhar Hussain and Fisheries Ministry Private Secretary Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa also participated at the discussion.