Trade team will be sent to Bangladesh after Eid-ul-Azha
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is to despatch a trade delegation to Bangladesh after Eid-ul-Azha aimed at strengthening economic relations with Dhaka as both countries are inching towards close relations after the fall of Hasina Wajid's regime.
In this regard, a delegation from the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by Secretary General Zulfiqar Butt and comprising Women Chamber Chairperson Hina Mansab called on Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Tuesday to discuss regional trade cooperation, particularly with Bangladesh. Rana Ihsaan Afzaal Coordinator to PM on Commerce and Senior Officials of the ministry were also present in the meeting.
The sources said High Commissioner of Pakistan to Dhaka revealed that the current Government in Bangladesh holds significant goodwill for Pakistan. Parties across the spectrum are very positive towards Pakistan. Therefore, the necessity to hold the JEC at the earliest is paramount. He also informed of his meetings with advisor of commerce and secretary commerce. The Bangladesh side is currently working on firm dates and the agenda for the JEC to be held in Dhaka. Last week, Pakistan's Foreign Secretary visited Dhaka and held discussions at the highest level.
Pakistan, Bangladesh resume direct trade after more than 50 years
High Commissioner was directed to hold meetings with the relevant officers in Dhaka to develop the data on import industries and areas of convergence with BD. Data has been shared with the FPCCI which is developing detailed presentation on Pakistan's export strategy including areas of convergence and relevant industries (food, IT, textile and others) to be shared in the IMM. Pakistani Mission had also shared its recommendation with Islamabad on proposal regarding reactivation of the JBC. An MoU will be signed between Pakistan's Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) of Bangladesh during the JEC. Ministry of Science and Technology has shared draft MoU on standards and texting with MoFA for its renewal. Maritime Affairs has shared updated information on the contract of affreightment (shared in 2021) with MoFA for taking up with the BD side. MoMA has also shared proposals on shipping exchange with Bangladesh.
On the issue of trade imbalance/SAFTA/FTA, Commerce Ministry has shared the composition, ToRs and concept note for the proposed JWG on Trade & Investment with MoFA for discussion with BD side. Commerce has prepared/provided fresh proposals/recommendations with respect to FTA and SAFTA with BD side.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
34 minutes ago
- Express Tribune
PM Shehbaz extends Eid greetings in calls with leaders of various countries
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held telephone conversations with key Muslim world leaders on the occasion of Eidul Azha, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to regional peace, unity within the Muslim Ummah, and enhanced bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif {@CMShehbaz } had a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim {@anwaribrahim }, and the two leaders exchanged greetings on the auspicious occasion of Eid ul #Adha. The Prime Minister conveyed his… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 In a call with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday, both leaders exchanged Eid greetings and underscored the importance of deepening bilateral ties in trade, investment, and cultural exchange. PM Shehbaz expressed appreciation for Malaysia's 'balanced stance' during the recent Pakistan-India crisis. 'Pakistan had no option but to respond swiftly and decisively to India's aggression,' PM Shehbaz said, while adding that Islamabad accepted a US-brokered ceasefire understanding in the interest of regional peace. He reiterated Pakistan's readiness to engage in dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, including India Illegal Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif {@CMShehbaz } had a telephone conversation with H.E. Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan, and congratulated the President and the brotherly people of 🇹🇯 on the blessed occasion of Eid ul #Adha. The Prime Minister thanked President… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 In a separate call, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon also received Eid greetings from Prime Minister Sharif, who thanked Tajikistan for advocating peace during heightened tensions between Pakistan and India. President Rahmon lauded Islamabad's efforts for regional stability. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif {@CMShehbaz } had a telephone conversation with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani {@TamimBinHamad }, Amir of the State of 🇶🇦 Qatar, and extended warm greetings to the Amir and the brotherly people of Qatar on the blessed occasion… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 Premier Shehbaz also spoke with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Shehbaz thanked Doha for its 'constructive role' in helping de-escalate the recent crisis between Pakistan and India. Both leaders reaffirmed their intention to strengthen economic cooperation. 'The two countries will continue to explore avenues for mutually beneficial trade and investment,' a government statement said. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had a telephone conversation with H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and extended warm greetings to the President, his family, and the brotherly people of 🇦🇿 on the blessed occasion of Eid ul #Adha. The Prime… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 Prime Minister Sharif further connected with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, offering Eid greetings and thanking him for the hospitality shown during his recent visit to Lachin for Azerbaijan's Independence Day and the trilateral summit with Turkey. The leaders reaffirmed strong bilateral ties and expressed eagerness to deepen cooperation in upcoming engagements, including the ECO Summit in Azerbaijan and President Aliyev's scheduled visit to Islamabad later this year. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif exchanged Eidul Azha greetings with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince of Kuwait. During the conversation, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for Kuwait's balanced and constructive stance in support of peace and dialogue amid the recent tensions between Pakistan and India. He reaffirmed Pakistan's consistent desire for regional peace and stability. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif exchanged Eid ul Adha greetings with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, today. The Prime Minister thanked His Highness the Crown Prince for Kuwait's strong and balanced… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 Shehbaz Sharif also underscored the importance of further strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and economic development. The Crown Prince, in response, acknowledged the valuable role played by the Pakistani community in Kuwait and expressed his commitment to deepening ties between the two countries. In a series of recent telephone calls with world leaders aimed at bolstering diplomatic ties, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif continued efforts to strengthen Pakistan's foreign relations. Read More: Islamabad, Riyadh to further elevate strategic ties This follows his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Both leaders agreed to further elevate the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia "in accordance with the shared vision of the leadership and aspirations of the brotherly people of the two countries." The leaders also reaffirmed their mutual commitment to deepening the multifaceted relationship between the two nations. Read More: Pakistan, Turkiye and Azerbaijan reaffirm unity at trilateral summit Last week, Prime Minister Sharif concluded a diplomatic tour of four countries to reinforce regional partnerships amid heightened tensions with India. The tour provided Pakistan an opportunity to personally express gratitude to these nations for their support during the recent escalation. The trip focused on reinforcing bilateral ties and promoting peace, with the Prime Minister thanking key allies for their constructive role in de-escalating tensions with India.
Business Recorder
an hour ago
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz exchanges Eid greetings with Muslim leaders
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday exchanged Eid greetings with Muslim world leaders in separate telephonic conversations, the Prime Minister's Office said. During a telephonic conversation with Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, the prime minister extended cordial Eid greetings to Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, as well as to the brotherly people of Kuwait. The two leaders prayed for peace and prosperity of the Ummah. The prime minister thanked His Highness the Crown Prince for Kuwait's strong and balanced position in support of peace and dialogue during the recent crisis between Pakistan and India. He emphasized that Pakistan had always desired peace in the region. In a phone call with Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani the premier extended warm wishes to him and the brotherly people of Qatar. He expressed gratitude to the Qatari Amir for his proactive diplomacy and valuable efforts in helping to de-escalate tensions between Pakistan and India during the recent crisis. The premier especially acknowledged Sheikh Tamim's timely phone call at the peak of the crisis, and also appreciated the supportive role played by Qatar's prime minister and foreign minister. Earlier, PM Shehbaz also held a telephonic conversation with his Malaysian counterpart Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with both reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in multiple fields, including trade, investment, and culture. Both leaders also prayed for peace and the safety of innocent Palestinians in Gaza. He expressed gratitude to Malaysia for its support and balanced stance during the Pakistan-India crisis, calling for de-escalation and dialogue.
Business Recorder
2 hours ago
- Business Recorder
COAS celebrates Eid with troops at LoC, reaffirms unwavering support for Kashmir cause
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), visited forward positions along the Line of Control (LoC) on Saturday to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha with frontline troops, the military's media wing said. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the visit began with Eid prayers, where special prayers were offered for the country's peace, stability, and prosperity, as well as for the martyrs who laid down their lives in defence of the motherland. Extending Eid greetings to officers and soldiers, the COAS lauded their unwavering commitment, professional excellence, and dedication despite persistent challenges. He stated that celebrating Eid at the frontlines, away from families, reflects the higher national purpose of safeguarding the country. The Army Chief praised the formation's performance during Marqa-e-Haq and Operation Bunyaanum Marsoos, paying tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis. 'You have befittingly avenged the loss of innocent Pakistani lives, including children, women, and the elderly, through your bold and effective response,' he said. While interacting with the troops, COAS Munir appreciated their high morale, operational preparedness, and vigilance in countering ceasefire violations by Indian forces. He reiterated full confidence in the armed forces' ability to deter and defeat any aggression. Reaffirming Pakistan's principled position on the Kashmir dispute, the COAS said the just and valiant struggle of the Kashmiri people against Indian occupation would not be forgotten. He stressed the importance of resolving the Jammu and Kashmir issue in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The Army Chief was received by the Commander of Rawalpindi Corps upon his arrival at the LoC.
