Trade Ties Strengthened as Pakistani and Bangladeshi Officials Meet in Chittagong

Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, together with Bangladesh’s Adviser for Commerce Sk. Bashir Uddin, conducted a visit to Chittagong this Saturday, aiming to reinforce bilateral trade relations.

During their time, they engaged with the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and toured vital industrial and port facilities. Discussions centered around potential collaborations in sectors including ready-made garments, agriculture, ship recycling, logistics, and the digitization of trade processes. A key point of emphasis was the necessity of establishing direct shipping routes and flight connections to stimulate increased trade between the two nations, according to a released statement.

The official visit, lasting a day, saw Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Sk. Bashir Uddin explore various cooperation opportunities and deliberate on trade logistics between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The CCCI’s business community provided perspectives on trade dynamics, suggesting the resumption of direct flights and more frequent direct shipping services, alongside trade digitization.

The statement also noted that collaborations in the ready-made garment and agricultural sectors were addressed.

The minister and advisor announced the upcoming formation of a Joint Working Group on Trade. This group aims to create a structured framework for ongoing trade discussions.

Both leaders recognized the significant potential for trade and investment and invited the business community to attend the 3rd International Food and Agricultural Exhibition in Karachi, scheduled for November 25-27, 2025.

The possibility of trilateral cooperation to facilitate exports to Africa and Central Asia was also examined.

Sectors such as healthcare, leather, and essential goods were also part of the conversation, as was the development of a Pakistan-Bangladesh Trade and Investment Roadmap.

Jam Kamal’s itinerary included a visit to the Kabir Ship Recycling Facilities, where he was informed about possible collaborative ventures in the shipbuilding, breaking, and recycling industries.