Pakistan, Sri Lanka Strengthen Bilateral Relations Through New IT Collaboration

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation across multiple sectors at the 13th session of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Joint Economic Commission (JEC) held in Colombo. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan led the Pakistani delegation, according to an official statement.

A key outcome of the meeting was the decision to establish a Joint Working Group on IT and Digital Economy, underscoring both countries’ resolve to collaborate in emerging technologies and digital transformation. The two sides reviewed avenues to expand industrial cooperation and enhance bilateral trade in sectors including pharmaceuticals, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), agriculture and livestock, higher education, health, and science and technology.

Sri Lanka invited Pakistani pharmaceutical companies to explore investment opportunities while both countries agreed to strengthen collaboration in the SME sector. Progress was also reported in agriculture and livestock, with discussions held on trade in meat and seeds.

Under the agreed framework, Pakistan and Sri Lanka decided to promote Pakistan as a higher education destination for Sri Lankan students and to enhance cooperation in the health sector through joint research, pharmaceuticals, and regulatory coordination. Pakistan also offered cooperation to Sri Lanka in shipbuilding and maritime training as part of broader efforts to diversify bilateral engagement.

The JEC session concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to sustaining dialogue and translating agreed initiatives into tangible outcomes.