Karachi Signs On: 120+ Pakistani Businesses Briefed on Sri Lanka Expo 2027 as Delegation Plans Take Shape

Photograph: via Colombo Gazette / eLanka.

More than 120 business, media and commercial representatives attended a Karachi briefing on 30 October to learn about Sri Lanka Expo 2027, as Sri Lanka’s Consulate General encouraged Pakistani companies to take part in the January exhibition in Colombo.

Organised with the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Business Forum, the session introduced the exhibition’s sectors and participation arrangements to Pakistani importers, exporters and prospective investors. It is part of a wider effort to build international interest in the event and strengthen Sri Lanka-Pakistan trade.

Business forum brings together more than 120 participants

Pakistan-Sri Lanka Business Forum President Rehan Bhoja opened the programme, highlighting the economic links between the two countries and the potential to expand bilateral trade.

The audience included importers, exporters, prospective investors, media representatives and officials from commercial organisations, according to the Consulate General. The mix brought together businesses that may be looking to source products, explore investment opportunities or build commercial partnerships with Sri Lankan companies.

The Karachi session focused on turning awareness of the exhibition into practical engagement. Participants received information about the event and materials to support further discussions and potential registration.

Sri Lanka export sectors presented to Pakistani businesses

Consul General Sanjeewa Pattiwila outlined the exhibition’s main features and the range of Sri Lankan industries expected to be represented. These include textiles, tea, spices, coconut products, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, ceramics, processed foods, information and communication technology (ICT), and engineering goods.

The sector range places established exports alongside manufactured products and technology-related industries. For buyers, the exhibition offers a chance to meet businesses across several fields in one venue. For exporters, it provides a platform to present products and explore new markets.

Pattiwila said the four-day event would support export promotion and create opportunities to discuss investment across different sectors. These goals are central to Sri Lanka Expo 2027: helping Sri Lankan businesses make international connections while giving overseas buyers and investors a direct introduction to the country’s capabilities.

AI-generated image for illustration purposes.

KCCI backs participation; travel packages announced

Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Senior Vice President Aslam Pakhali expressed support for the initiative. The consulate reported that he confirmed plans for a sizeable Pakistani business delegation to attend the exhibition.

SriLankan Airlines Country Manager Ruwan Wijekoon announced concessionary airfares from Karachi and Lahore to Colombo, alongside hotel and ground-transport packages for participating delegates. The arrangements are intended to help make it easier for Pakistani businesses to travel to Sri Lanka for the event.

Businesses considering the trip should confirm current fares, package details, eligibility and booking arrangements directly with the relevant organisers or airline, as these details may be subject to conditions.

Information packs and follow-up discussions

Attendees received information packs containing promotional brochures, trade profiles and preliminary registration forms. These materials are intended to help businesses review the sectors on show and continue discussions after the briefing.

For companies exploring Sri Lanka investment or export partnerships, the next step is to identify relevant exhibitors and opportunities, then seek details through the official Expo channels. The exhibition’s international buyer days are structured to support business engagement before the final public day.

A networking dinner added a cultural connection

The programme concluded with a networking dinner featuring Sri Lankan and Pakistani food. The gathering gave business and media representatives an informal setting to meet and continue conversations begun during the briefing.

Trade events are built around commercial exchange, but personal connections matter too. Sharing food from both countries offered a warm close to the session and reflected the longstanding cultural links that sit alongside Sri Lanka-Pakistan trade relations.

AI-generated image for illustration purposes.

Sri Lanka Expo 2027 at a glance

The schedule separates the first three days for international buyers, with the final day open to the public. This gives business visitors dedicated time to meet exhibitors and explore commercial opportunities, while also making the exhibition accessible to the wider public on 17 January.

The event is organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. Further information about the exhibition and participation is available through the official Sri Lanka Expo website and the EDB event listing.

AI-generated image for illustration purposes.

Karachi adds momentum to international outreach

The Karachi briefing is the latest stop in the wider effort to introduce Sri Lanka Expo 2027 to overseas businesses. Earlier outreach included a London trade and investment forum attended by more than 130 participants, alongside business engagements in Dover. eLanka has also reported on those UK business meetings and the Expo 2027 pitch.

Separate outreach in Lahore brought the Sri Lankan High Commissioner together with local business leaders to discuss trade and investment links and promote participation in the Colombo exhibition. The Karachi briefing adds a further connection with Pakistan’s business community, with the consulate reporting interest from representatives and plans for a sizeable delegation.

For Sri Lanka, the outreach presents an opportunity to introduce its exporters to potential buyers and investors across the region. For Pakistani businesses, the exhibition offers a chance to explore Sri Lankan tea and spices exports, textiles, coconut products, gems and jewellery, and other sectors directly with participating companies.

The Consulate General said it expects Pakistani participation in the event. Businesses interested in attending can consult the official Expo website for the latest registration and programme information.

Sources

Karachi Signs On: 120+ Pakistani Businesses Briefed on Sri Lanka Expo 2027 as Delegation Plans Take Shape

Karachi Signs On: 120+ Pakistani Businesses Briefed on Sri Lanka Expo 2027 as Delegation Plans Take Shape