Sri Lankan High Commissioner meets with the Chairman, Pakistan Cutlery and Stainless Utensils Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCSUMEA) in Wazirabad
Wazirabad – 27 September 2025 (Adnan Hameed) : The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne, met with the Chairman, Executive Body, and special invitees of the Pakistan Cutlery and Stainless Utensils Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCSUMEA) in Wazirabad, Punjab Province, on 25 September 2025 at the PCSUMEA Chamber.
High Commissioner Senevirathne was warmly welcomed by the Chairman, Executive Body, and special invitees of PCSUMEA.
During the meeting, the Chairman of PCSUMEA highlighted Wazirabad as a historic and industrial hub, strategically located in Punjab’s “Golden Triangle,” says press note. He noted that the city produces over 96% of Pakistan’s cutlery, employing thousands and exporting products worldwide.
Further discussion focused on bilateral trade, with participants noting that in 2024, Pakistan’s exports to Sri Lanka stood between USD 420–456 million, while imports from Sri Lanka ranged from USD 50–80 million. Pakistan mainly exports textiles, pharmaceuticals, cement, cutlery, and agricultural products, while Sri Lanka exports tea, rubber, spices, coconut-based products, and machinery.
Participants emphasized opportunities for export diversification. Pakistan could enhance exports of cutlery, utensils, engineering goods, surgical instruments, and food products, while Sri Lanka could expand exports of betel leaves, tea, rubber-based products, coir items, and high-value spices. The Pakistan–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (PSFTA) offers a framework for this cooperation, but deeper sector-specific engagement is needed.
The High Commissioner expressed his appreciation to the Chairman and Executive Members of PCSUMEA for the warm hospitality extended and for arranging the meeting. He acknowledged the ongoing collaboration between the two countries and highlighted the vision of Sri Lanka’s current political leadership, which includes a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, malpractices, and the misuse of public property. He further emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting good governance and creating a more conducive environment for foreign investment.
Further addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Senevirathne invited PCSUMEA manufacturers to visit Sri Lanka to meet with their counterparts and explore potential markets and investment opportunities.
The subsequent meeting also covered areas of potential cooperation, including tariff reviews, joint exhibitions, quality and certification support, product diversification, logistics facilitation, skills development, joint ventures, tourism and cultural linkages, government facilitation, and leveraging regional value chains. At the conclusion of the discussion, PCSUMEA arranged the factory visit for the High Commissioner.
A. Christy Ruban, Minister at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad, was also present at the meeting.
