Pakistan and Sri Lanka have identified cement, sugar, dairy production, chemical plants, textiles, tourism and pharmaceutical as potential areas of mutually beneficial collaborative projects in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan Minister of State and Chairman, Board of Investment, Saleem Mandviwalla who is presently on a visit to Sri Lanka to explore the possibility of enhanced commercial and economic cooperation between the two friendly countries mentioned that with peace restored in Sri Lanka, Pakistani investors were looking forward to invest in mutually beneficial business ventures in Sri Lanka.

In this regard, he also briefed Sri Lanka's Acting Minister for External Affairs on Pakistan’s proposal for extension of a Buyer’s Credit Facility to Sri Lanka, which would help enhance Sri Lanka’s manufacturing capability, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

He also appreciated Sri Lanka’s timely assistance to Pakistan in the wake of the recent catastrophic floods in the country.

The Acting Foreign Minister appreciated Pakistan’s desire for increased economic and commercial linkages between the two countries and highlighted the scope of religious tourism from Sri Lanka to Pakistan.

The two also agreed on stepping up existing cooperation and add more economic substance to the traditional friendly ties.

The visiting Pakistani dignitary also met the Minister for Economic Development, Basil Rajapaksa, for a detailed exchange of views on enhancing the economic ties between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Mandviwalla also briefed Minister Basil Rajapaksa about the structure and working of the Board of Investment in Pakistan.

The meeting with Minister Rajapaksa also focused on learning from Sri Lankan experience for the curtailment of the Dengue threat, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.