Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Wednesday agreed to deepen partnership in the digital economy by establishing a Joint Working Group on Information Technology and Digital Economy, marking a new phase in bilateral collaboration focused on emerging technologies and digital transformation.
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The decision was taken during the 13th session of the Pakistan–Sri Lanka Joint Economic Commission (JEC), held in Colombo, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic ties and expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors. The Pakistani delegation to the meeting was led by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan.
سری لنکا اور پاکستان کے درمیان مشترکہ اقتصادی کمیشن کا 13واں اجلاس کولمبو میں منعقد
وزیرِاعظم کے خصوصی معاون ہارون اختر خان نے سری لنکا کے لیے ایک وفد کی قیادت کی
پاکستان، سری لنکا تعلقات مزید مضبوط، مختلف شعبوں میں تعاون پر اتفاق pic.twitter.com/lQ5Q6YBYDA
— M/o Industries & Production (@Pak_MoIP) January 28, 2026
Officials from both countries noted that while Pakistan and Sri Lanka share longstanding bilateral relations in trade, investment and development cooperation, there was a growing need to move beyond traditional areas and develop partnerships in advanced and innovative technologies. The newly formed working group is expected to facilitate collaboration in areas such as digital infrastructure, IT services, e-governance and skills development.
The JEC session also focused on enhancing industrial cooperation and boosting bilateral trade. Sri Lanka invited Pakistani pharmaceutical companies to explore investment opportunities, highlighting the potential for joint ventures and technology transfer in the health sector.
Both sides expressed consensus on strengthening cooperation in the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, recognising its critical role in economic growth, employment generation and innovation. Measures to support SME linkages and knowledge sharing were discussed.
Progress in the agriculture and livestock sectors was also reviewed, with discussions covering meat and seed trade as well as regulatory and procedural matters. Officials reported advancements in finalising arrangements for the export of Sri Lankan pineapple and avocado to Pakistan, which is expected to expand agricultural trade between the two countries.
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The meeting concluded with an understanding to continue engagement through institutional mechanisms to translate agreed initiatives into tangible outcomes and further reinforce economic partnership between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.