Colombo, June 11,2026: Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Major General (Retd) Dr. Nayyar Naseer, has emphasized the immense potential for enhancing bilateral trade between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, urging both countries to identify new areas of cooperation and strengthen economic ties.
The remarks were made during a meeting in Colombo with Founder Chairman of the Pakistan Association of Exhibition Industry (PAEI), Khurshid Barlas. Mahwash Sami, Trade and Capital Attaché at the Pakistan High Commission, also attended the meeting.
During the meeting, Khurshid Barlas briefed the High Commissioner on various domestic and international exhibitions organized by the association, including events held in Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Bangladesh and other countries. He informed the High Commissioner that the second edition of the Made in Pakistan Exhibition and Business Investment Conference will be held in Colombo from December 23 to 27, 2026, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).
Barlas said the exhibition aims to introduce Pakistani products to international markets and provide a platform for foreign investors to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan. He noted that the event would help strengthen trade and business linkages between Pakistan and Sri Lanka while showcasing the country’s industrial and commercial potential.
According to the organizers, the exhibition will feature a wide range of sectors, including textiles, food products, electrical appliances, kitchenware and crockery, consumer goods, footwear, household products, tiles and ceramics, furniture, gems and jewellery, marble and glass, sports goods, fashion and fabrics, tourism and hospitality, machinery and equipment, paints and chemicals, HVACR systems, sanitary ware, handicrafts and other industries.
The High Commissioner appreciated the efforts of the Pakistan Association of Exhibition Industry in promoting Pakistan’s exports and economic interests abroad. He assured full support from the Pakistan High Commission for the successful organization of the exhibition and business conference.
“Your efforts to contribute to the country’s economic growth are commendable. The High Commission will fully cooperate in organizing the exhibition and facilitate all possible support,” Dr. Nayyar Naseer said.
Discussing Sri Lanka’s economic outlook, the High Commissioner noted that the country’s investment environment is becoming increasingly attractive due to its liberal foreign investment regime, supportive government policies, strategic geographic location and educated workforce.
He said Sri Lanka is emerging as one of South Asia’s promising investment destinations and highlighted the need to capitalize on untapped trade opportunities between the two countries.
“There are immense opportunities to increase bilateral trade as both countries possess a wide range of products that can complement each other’s markets. We should identify sectors where Sri Lanka can prioritize imports from Pakistan instead of sourcing them from other countries,” he said.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of cooperation between the Pakistan High Commission and the Pakistan Association of Exhibition Industry to promote trade, investment and business partnerships between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
On the occasion, Khurshid Barlas presented a commemorative shield to High Commissioner Dr. Nayyar Naseer in recognition of his support for trade promotion initiatives. Trade and Capital Attaché Mahwash Sami was also present during the ceremony.
