Free trade agreement with Sri Lanka soon, says Minister Tofail

He, however, said ‘some complications’ to export duty.

“We have proposed to reduce the duty on export from 13.5 to 5 percent in order to boost the trade between the two countries,” he said.

Ahmed said the two countries were discussing to solve the problems in trade.

Bangladesh exports to Sri Lanka touched 26.8 million in the 2014-15 fiscal year against imports worth $66.65 million.

The commerce minister said the $39.84 million trade deficit with Sri Lanka would wither away once the problems were solved.

He emphasized connectivity between the two countries in order to boost trade.

“Sri Lankan flights are coming every week. Bangladesh will also set up an air link with Sri Lanka. Sea routes will also be opened.”

The demand for Bangladesh fish and medicine in Sri Lanka is very high, according to Ahmed.

“But there are also problems. The two countries have agreed to solve these,” he added.

Check Also

Novo Nordisk raises awareness about diabetes

(Saykot Murtaza): Novo Nordisk, a Danish multinational pharmaceutical company, will observe World Health Day on …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *