As President of the Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Forum - PSBF, I and my colleagues take this opportunity to wish the Honourable President Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa, Consul General Mr. D.W. Jinadasa and the people of Sri Lanka heartiest congratulations on the National Day.
Since 2008, our Forum has been actively involved in arranging trade delegations from Pakistan to Sri Lanka. We have also extended our full support to the visiting business delegations from Sri Lanka. It is our ambition and prime objective that trade between the two countries should strengthen and grow at a continuous pace. PSBF has also opened avenues of new businesses that were not being carried out between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The existing trade consisted of regular items such as vegetables, Fruits, spices, tea, herbal food supplements etc.
SUCCESS STORIES: Through this forum, we have added new commodities such as rubber which is now a regular trade item. Corporate such as General Tyre & Rubber Co. are among the list of businesses which have benefited from this Forum. Hence, we feel that there still exists a tremendous potential to improve the volumes of trade to a much higher level.
Till to date several delegations have been organised by the Forum and these delegations have visited Sri Lanka to enable meetings with concerned business communities and government authorities. This has given the delegates all the required information and procedures for setting up business in Sri Lanka. Likewise delegations from Sri Lanka have also visited Pakistan and the Forum provided full support to them.
OBJECTIVE: Forum will continue to work rigorously to expand bilateral trade by focusing on core areas of Sri Lanka which have great potential of growth. Tourism, infrastructural development, communication and city planning, are areas where Pakistan's experience and expertise can combine together for mutual benefits.
MISSION 2013: This year the Forum will be engaged with the local community to assist in setting up businesses such as;
-- Restaurants • Fashion Outlets • Aviation
-- Financial Services • Power projects
-- Real Estate Development
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE: A committee of three members has been established which is assisting all business people in Pakistan who are aspiring to set up businesses in Sri Lanka. This committee identifies the opportunity for a particular business as stated above and then provides a complete business plan. This Forum stands out from other conventional forums as we also assist in arrangement of funds, acquisition of property, completion of legal procedures and processes.
FUTURE PLANS: The forum has already identified business opportunities for certain Pakistani business groups who have already starting work on the following sectors.
-- Real Estate Development • Energy production • Financial Sector • Corporate Farming
We shall be publishing few of the business ventures which shall give the opportunity for individual and corporate investors to get higher return and yet remain fully secured. For any information and assistance please visit our website www.paklankaforum.com or the Consul General's office can also be contacted email: slcgkhi@cyber.net.pk and website www.slcgckhi.com