Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have agreed to deepen investment ties and explore port connectivity projects during the fourth round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC), which concluded in Colombo on Thursday.
The meeting, co-chaired by the foreign secretaries of both nations, was held after an eight-year hiatus and served as a platform to review the full scope of bilateral cooperation and identify new areas for collaboration. Discussions covered a wide range of sectors including trade, investment, connectivity, defence, tourism, education, agriculture, fisheries, youth development, culture, health, digital innovation, and people-to-people exchanges.
Sri Lanka underscored its investments and diaspora presence in Bangladesh, inviting Bangladeshi investors to engage in development projects, logistics, agriculture, and tourism. Bangladesh, in turn, welcomed more Sri Lankan investment in its export processing zones, special economic zones, and industrial parks—particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, tourism, ICT, renewable energy, agro-processing, and light engineering.
Both sides stressed the need to enhance trade facilitation by simplifying pharmaceutical registration processes and convening the Trade Negotiating Committee and Joint Working Group on Trade and Shipping. Private sector engagement was identified as key to strengthening economic ties.
Connectivity and shipping cooperation were prioritised, with both countries exploring direct port links between Chattogram and Colombo. They also discussed promoting tourism, with Sri Lanka proposing green tourism initiatives and Bangladesh suggesting joint tea and Buddhist heritage tourism circuits.
Agriculture and fisheries were recognised as vital cooperation areas, focusing on water management, deep-sea fishing, and freshwater aquaculture. Bangladesh invited Sri Lankan farmers for study visits and sought Sri Lanka’s expertise in marine fisheries, while offering collaboration in livestock development.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to regional cooperation through SAARC, BIMSTEC, and IORA. Bangladesh requested Sri Lanka’s continued support for the safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees.
During the visit, the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh paid courtesy calls on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra. He also invited his Sri Lankan counterpart to Dhaka for the fifth round of consultations next year.
The Bangladeshi delegation included High Commissioner Andalib Elias and senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Shipping, and Commerce, while the Sri Lankan side was represented by High Commissioner Dharmapala Weerakkody, Director General Samantha Pathirana, and senior officials from relevant ministries and agencies.
