Bangladesh Seeks Enhanced Trade Ties with Pakistan

In an effort to satisfy its increasing industrial and energy needs, Bangladesh is looking to bolster trade cooperation with Pakistan, specifically in acquiring vital raw materials such as coal and limestone.

This development arose during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan. Both parties explored possibilities for stronger bilateral cooperation in areas including trade, energy, logistics, and industrial connections, according to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce.

During the discussion, High Commissioner Khan provided observations from his recent visits to various industrial centers in Pakistan, highlighting significant interest from local business organizations.

The discussions primarily revolved around Bangladesh’s growing industrial requirements, particularly its need for Pakistani coal and limestone to facilitate power generation and soda ash manufacturing.

Key discussion points encompassed enhancing agricultural trade, focusing on Pakistan’s imports of pineapples from Bangladesh, as well as potential mango exports, pending required technical clearances.

Furthermore, prospects in textiles, exports of minerals such as superior-quality limestone from Sindh, and Halal-certified meat products were deliberated upon. Both sides committed to resolving logistical obstacles and simplifying business visa procedures to promote seamless trade operations.

The federal minister highlighted the strategic importance of the relationship, remarking that Pakistan and Bangladesh could forge a significant economic alliance to benefit the entire region through focused collaboration in energy, logistics, and food security.

The meeting concluded with pledges to create industry-specific business relationships and streamline trade processes in the upcoming months.