Pakistan, Bangladesh to widen trade ties
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In a significant move to deepen bilateral relations, Pakistan and Bangladesh are working closely to strengthen cooperation for the mutual benefit of their peoples. Taking a step forward in this direction, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Bangladesh in the last week of April 2025. The visit is expected to explore new avenues of collaboration, particularly in the fields of tourism and investment, where ample opportunities await Pakistan in Bangladesh's growing market.
The Deputy High Commissioner, S M Mahbubul Alam, said there is ample scope for widening and strengthening mutually beneficial bilateral relations between the two countries while addressing a reception arranged by the Bangladesh Mission to celebrate the 54th anniversary of the Independence and National Day of Bangladesh. The National Day celebration commenced with a grand ceremony, beginning with the national anthems of both countries.
Minister of Sindh government Saeed Ghani was the guest of honour. Bangladesh High Commissioner in Pakistan Iqbal Husain Khan, Consuls General of different countries in Karachi, other diplomats, senators, members of national and provincial assemblies, political leadership, government officials of Pakistan and Sindh Province, business leaders, cultural activists, women entrepreneurs, media personalities and journalists attended the celebration.
He added that Bangladesh and Pakistan have maintained excellent bilateral relationships. Chief Advisor of Bangladesh Dr Muhammad Yunus and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif held several meetings over the past months. They met in September 2024 on the sidelines of the 79th UNGA in New York and again in December 2024 during the D-8 Summit in Cairo. The meetings highlighted the desire to enhance cooperation, especially in economic development, trade, investment, cultural exchange, and people-to-people ties.
On April 17, 2025, the 6th Round of Foreign Secretary-Level Consultations took place in Dhaka. Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Ambassador Jashim Uddin and Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Ambassador Amna Baloch led the respective delegations and discussed all aspects of bilateral relations.
The deputy high commissioner highlighted increased trade activity, including a direct container ship link operational since November 2024 and upcoming direct flights. Delegations from FPCCI, TDAP, TCP, and cultural troupes have visited Bangladesh. Key Bangladeshi exports include jute, garments, leather goods, ceramics, and pharmaceuticals. Pakistan also participated in the Bangladesh Investment Summit in April 2025.
He underscored Bangladesh's tourism appeal, including Cox's Bazar and the Sundarbans, and its strong remittance and export economy. Alam invited more business delegations and tourists from Pakistan to Bangladesh and assured extending all possible support to facilitate visits, including coordinating and processing visas on priority basis.
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