The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has stressed the need for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, highlighting it as a key step toward boosting trade and investment ties between the nations.
The chamber emphasized that Sri Lanka’s strengths in the maritime economy, deep-sea fishing, and port management could significantly contribute to Bangladesh’s capabilities in these vital areas through technical collaboration.

DCCI shared the insight during a business dialogue with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka on Tuesday, held as part of a delegation visit by DCCI representatives, according to an official statement. The meeting was presided over by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunneththi.

DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed noted that while trade and investment between the two SAARC nations hold considerable promise, they have yet to achieve their full potential. He underscored that strengthening collaboration between private sectors could help unlock these opportunities. Ahmed also encouraged Sri Lankan investors to explore prospects in Bangladesh’s logistics, tourism, education, healthcare, construction, renewable energy, agro-processing, and IT sectors.

Additionally, he urged Sri Lankan businesses to consider importing Bangladeshi products such as pharmaceuticals, ready-made garments, footwear, electronics, and jute goods.

Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Duminda Hulangamuwa, expressed optimism that companies from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will collaborate more closely to boost regional economic resilience.

He affirmed that the full potential of bilateral trade remains largely untapped, highlighting textiles, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, and digital services as promising sectors for investors from both countries.

During the visit, over 200 business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking sessions took place between members of the DCCI delegation and Sri Lankan business representatives. As part of the initiative, the DCCI and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster stronger collaboration between the private sectors of both nations.
The MoU was formally signed by Taskeen Ahmed and Duminda Hulangamuwa.

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