Pakistani Cereal Association Delegation Embarks on Bangladesh Visit to Boost Agricultural Exports

A 14-member delegation from the Cereal Association of Pakistan (CAP) is scheduled to depart for Bangladesh on Saturday for a week-long visit. The primary objective is to investigate potential export opportunities for Pakistani agricultural products, including rice, maize, and spices.

This trip marks the first instance of maize traders visiting Bangladesh, which follows significant improvements in trade relations between the two nations.

With backing from the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), the delegation is being headed by Muzammil Rauf Chappal, the founding chairman of CAP. The itinerary includes visits to Dhaka and Chittagong, where the delegation will engage with trade organizations, government representatives, and business leaders to evaluate market needs and explore possible collaborations.

According to Chappal, Bangladesh represents a promising market for Pakistani grains and food products. The recent changes in Bangladesh’s political landscape have enhanced bilateral ties, highlighted by Pakistan’s successful export of 50,000 tons of rice earlier in the year through a government-to-government arrangement.

He noted Bangladesh’s expressed interest in importing additional food products from Pakistan, which prompted this exploratory visit.

Chappal lauded TDAP for facilitating the initiative and emphasized the importance of such endeavors in expanding Pakistan’s export capabilities. He also recognized the contributions of Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, whose direct engagement was crucial in enabling the visit. Furthermore, he acknowledged the Pakistani Embassy in Bangladesh for their comprehensive support to the delegation.

During their stay, the delegation plans to meet with officials from the Export Promotion Bureau of Bangladesh, the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Pakistan-Bangladesh Business Forum, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI), and the Feed Industry Association of Bangladesh.

Chappal conveyed optimism that the visit will foster new avenues for trade and cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh, enabling Pakistani exporters to substantially contribute to the national economy through increased foreign exchange revenues.

Other delegation members include Muhammad Arif Doni (Deputy Leader), Shoaib Rauf (Convener), Tanveer Ahmed Paracha (Deputy Convener), Abdul Rauf Shivani, Teka Mal, Hassan Doni, Sarfraz Ahmed Shiekh, Muhammad Zeeshan Attari, Muhammad Azeem Tahir, Ather Ali Raza, Muhammad Sufyan, Irfan Ahsan, and Mohsin Ali.