While paying a courtesy call on Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) President Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury at the latter's office on Monday, the envoy said the FTA would also help improve overall economies.

The Lankan high commissioner pointed out that there was a huge demand of Bangladeshi medicine, melamine products, cement and CI Sheets in Sri Lankan market because of their qualitative standard and competitive prices.

Munasinghe said the FTA signed between Sri Lanka and India in 1998 has helped Sri Lankan exports to India rise to US$200 million from only $34 million previously. It also boosted Indian investment in Sri Lanka significantly, he added.

The high commissioner further said after signing of the FTA, number of Indian tourists in Sri Lanka rose to 80,000 from previously 13,000 only.

He expressed hope that a free trade pact between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka could bring in similar benefits to both the economies by boosting trade and commerce, investment and tourism industry in both the countries.

Echoing the envoy's views the Chittagong chamber president said an FTA is very important to achieve durable economic growth for both the countries against the backdrop of changing global economic scenario.

He urged upon the Sri Lankan high commissioner to inspire the businessmen of his country to import more jute and jute products, medicine, melamine products, CI Sheets and zippers from Bangladesh.

CCCI Senior Vice-president Ershad Ullah and Vice-president Monzoor-Ul-Amin Chowdhury were also present at the meeting.