COLOMBO : A high-level business delegation from the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI)
visited Sri Lanka from 16 to 19 June 2025 to explore new trade and investment opportunities
between the two countries. The visit was co-organized and facilitated by the High
Commission of Sri Lanka in Bangladesh. The delegation comprised representatives from 22
leading Bangladeshi companies, including prominent importers and exporters, and was led
by President of DCCI, Taskeen Ahmed.
During the visit, the Bangladeshi business delegation participated in business forums and B2B
sessions organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber of
Commerce, held on 17 and 18 June 2025, respectively. Minister of Industries and
Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunneththi as the Chief Guest graced the business
forum organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. In addition, the delegation engaged
in interactive discussions and B2B meetings organized by the National Chamber of Exporters,
the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the Sri Lanka National
Arbitration Centre.
Addressing the two Business Forums, President of DCCI, Taskeen Ahmed stated that despite
the immense potential for trade and investment between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as
members of the SAARC, the trade relationship of the two countries has not yet reached its
desired level. He emphasized that this potential can be harnessed by strengthening ties
between the private sectors of both nations. He invited the Sri Lankan business community
to consider investing in Bangladesh, particularly in key sectors such as logistics infrastructure,
tourism, education, healthcare services, construction, renewable energy, agro-processing, and
information technology.
Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, Duminda Hulangamuwa and
the President of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, Anura Warnakulasooriya
noted that the visit by the DCCI delegation was a timely and commendable initiative. They
emphasized that both countries should work proactively to enhance bilateral trade by
leveraging the untapped potential that exists between the two economies. Both the Chairman
of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the President of the National Chamber of
Commerce, Sri Lanka, invited Bangladeshi companies to invest in Sri Lanka.
Joining the business forums of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber
of Commerce of Sri Lanka virtually, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh,
Dharmapala Weerakkody highlighted that trade and economic cooperation between Sri
Lanka and Bangladesh continues to show steady growth, with significant untapped potential.
He invited companies from both countries to explore new market opportunities and
strengthen commercial partnerships to further expand bilateral trade. The High
Commissioner also invited Bangladeshi companies to consider investing in Sri Lanka. He
also emphasized the importance of Bangladesh as a promising market for the Sri Lankan
tourism industry.
