Dhaka: A coastal shipping service between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will be launched soon after the signing of an agreement in this regard.

After a meeting between the two parties at the Secretariat, Shipping Secretary Ashok Madhab Roy said the final agreement will be signed soon between two countries.

Both the sides have already signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the secretary-level meeting after finalizing the draft agreement.

He also said that following when the agreement will be implemented, Bangladesh would be able to use two ports—Colombo port and Hambantota—of the Sri Lanka with more ease.

The secretary also said that the trade and transportation between the two countries will be also increased following the agreement.

A six-member Sri Lankan delegation was present at the meeting.

Earlier, the Sri Lankan delegation also met the Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan at his office.