“Our present bilateral trade has been on the increase but the volumes are not so great” stressed Commerce Minister of Bangladesh Tofail Ahmed  in Colombo. Bangladeshi Minister Ahmed was addressing the Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka Rishad Bathiudeen in Colombo. High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Sri Lanka Riaz Hamidullah joined the high level discussion with Minister Bathiudeen.

 
“It is time that we focus on much broader trade levels than at present” stressed Bangladeshi Minister Ahmed and added: “Our present bilateral trade has been on an increasing trend but the volumes are not so great and we can do much better. I propose we speed up the proposed FTA between both countries. It is great if we can conclude the FTA by the end of next year.
 

“I too agree that being in the South Asian region, our present trade levels do not reflect maximum outcomes” responded Minister Bathiudeen and added: “We are working for the third Joint Working Group session between both countries to be held in Colombo any-time before the end of this year.”

“The prospects of a FTA is being studied by my officials -and our President  Maithripala Sirisena’s Dhaka visit this July has provided further impetus for strengthening trade cooperation between both countries. Therefore better times are ahead for our bilateral trade.”