B'desh easing visa policy for Pak business leaders to boost trade: High Commissioner
Bangladesh is easing its visa policy for Pakistani business leaders, the country's top envoy in Islamabad has said, adding that the move aims to foster economic growth between the two countries and across the region.
Speaking at a reception hosted by the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GTCCI) on Saturday, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Iqbal Hussain Khan said Dhaka views Pakistan as a gateway to Central Asia.
'We believe in stability and economic growth in the region, which is why we are easing the visa regime for Pakistan, particularly for businessmen,' Khan said. 'Both countries have started granting visas to trade delegations,' he added.
He also said bilateral trade between the two countries is expected to cross USD 1 billion this fiscal year, expressing hope that trade will continue to grow as both nations remain committed to strengthening cooperation.
Speaking at the event, GTCCI President Bau Muneer said that Pakistan and Bangladesh, being the largest economies in SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) after India, should utilise regional trade opportunities for mutual benefit.
He said that Bangladesh's GDP has reached USD 437 billion while Pakistan's GDP stands at USD 373 billion. 'It is time we join hands to maximise the trade potential.' After Sheikh Hasina's ouster as the prime minister of Bangladesh last year, the bilateral relations witnessed a thaw with high-level exchanges between the two nations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Spying ring: YouTuber Jasbir Singh's arrest unveils financial links, Pakistan Day event connection
Mohali: The arrest of YouTuber Jasbir Singh on charges of spying for Pakistan has led to a string of shocking revelations, exposing deeper financial links and suspicious connections to a Pakistan Day event in Delhi, revealed sources in Punjab Police's state special operations cell (SSOC) in Mohali. Jasbir, who is in two-day remand of SSOC) Mohali, is under investigation for alleged involvement in espionage activities and his ties with individuals linked to Pakistani agencies. According to sources, a 32-year-old woman from Jalandhar,said to be a close associate of Jasbir, was summoned and interrogated by SSOC for several hours. Her name surfaced during Jasbir's questioning. Investigators found she accompanied Jasbir to Delhi on multiple occasions and was present with him at a Pakistan Day programme. Access to the event was strictly through digital invitations, which Jasbir managed to procure through alleged links with a man named Danish, said to be a key figure in the espionage network, according to the sources. The interrogation of the woman revealed that Jasbir not only introduced her to several individuals in Delhi, but also provided her with financial support over a period of time. Investigating officers are now examining her bank accounts to determine the purpose of these transactions and whether they were directed by foreign handlers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Sources have also started examining her phone and social media accounts, while forensic experts continue analysing Jasbir's digital devices. Preliminary findings from Jasbir's laptop indicate that several applications were installed by an IAS officer, now under scrutiny. After the recent arrest of Haryana-based social media influencer Jyoti Malhotra, Jasbir allegedly deleted multiple applications from his system — a move investigators believe was an attempt to erase incriminating evidence. A forensics team is working to recover the deleted data, which could lead to further breakthroughs. One of the most alarming discoveries came from Jasbir's mobile phone, which contained over 150 contacts, many allegedly linked to Pakistan's ISI and army officers. According to investigators, Jasbir frequently communicated with these individuals. He was reportedly encouraged to create and promote content that portrayed Pakistan positively and to influence Indian youth through his platform. "Jasbir was advised by his handlers to bring more young Indians into the fold," said a senior police official on the pretext of anonymity. "Danish, in particular, was keen on expanding his network by including more women," he said. With multiple leads emerging from Jasbir's confession and digital trail, the SSOC continues to probe deeper into what could be part of a larger espionage and propaganda network operating across borders.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Maharashtra, Karnataka account for 51 pc of FDI in India in FY25: Govt
NEW DELHI: Maharashtra and Karnataka accounted for 51 per cent of the foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the country during the last financial year 2024-25, according to the latest data of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Maharashtra attracted maximum foreign inflows at USD 19.6 billion and accounted for 31 per cent of the country's total FDI during April-March 2024-25. Karnataka received USD 6.62 billion overseas investments during the last fiscal year, the data showed. The two states were followed by Delhi (USD 6 billion), Gujarat (USD 5.71 billion), Tamil Nadu (USD 3.68 billion), Haryana (USD 3.14 billion), and Telangana (USD 3 billion). According to experts, the main reason for the maximum inflows in Maharashtra and Karnataka is substantial improvement in infrastructure. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
‘Whole world now knows the truth': Shashi Tharoor-led delegation wraps up US visit; urges global terror fight
NEW DELHI: The multi-party parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on late Sunday concluded its high-level visit to the United States, wrapping up the final leg of a diplomatic mission aimed at building international consensus on India's counter-terrorism stance following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead. Taking to X as he wrapped up the US visit, Tharoor wrote: 'If you are born a hundred times, you will do it a hundred times. I will love my country with all my heart… A Watan. The whole world now knows the truth. We are lovers of non-violence, but only until someone tests that... Jai Hind!' — ShashiTharoor (@ShashiTharoor) On the final day of the tour, the delegation paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Washington. Tharoor later posted on X: 'It is striking how many world capitals are adorned with statues or busts of the Mahatma, the 20th century's greatest apostle of peace, nonviolence, and human freedom.' The group, which arrived in Washington on June 3 after stops in Guyana, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil, met with several key American leaders including US Vice President JD Vance, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, senior members of Congress, policy experts, and members of the Indian-American community. Describing the meeting with Vance as 'an excellent meeting,' Tharoor said the Vice President was 'warm and welcoming and receptive,' and 'expressed complete understanding, first of all, outrage of what happened in Pahalgam and support and respect for India's restrained response in Operation Sindoor.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Capital Gains Exemptions for Seniors SmartAsset Learn More Undo A US State Department spokesperson said Landau 'reaffirmed the United States' strong support of India in the fight against terrorism and the strategic partnership between the two countries.' Addressing the Centre on Foreign Relations, Tharoor had said India's actions were targeted at terror infrastructure, not civilians. 'We're not interested in attacking Pakistani civilians, ordinary people. This is about India versus terrorism… If you're not prepared to shut down the safe havens or arrest terrorist leaders, then I'm afraid this is the only way we can deal with it,' he said. Referring to Pakistan's military, he added, 'In India, the state has an army. In Pakistan, the army has a state,' accusing Islamabad of manipulating public opinion through conflict. Tharoor dismissed claims of Pakistani success during the brief hostilities that followed, saying, 'Two videos came out on social media, both turned out to be from other conflicts in other years, nothing to do with this one.'
