Efforts under way to revive Bangladesh-Pakistan Joint Economic Commission, says Advisor Bashir

Bangladesh is taking steps to revitalise the long-dormant Joint Economic Commission (JEC) with Pakistan, aimed at enhancing trade and investment cooperation, according to Commerce Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin.

He shared the update after a meeting with Pakistani Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon.

A media statement from the Ministry of Commerce later detailed the key outcomes of the discussion.

“We had very intensive talks with the Pakistani commerce minister,” Bashir said. “Discussions are ongoing to reactivate the Joint Economic Commission and to form a new Trade and Investment Commission.”

He added that both countries explored the possibility of producing intermediate goods collaboratively or through foreign investment, which could yield “mutual benefits”.

Noting specific requests, Bashir said Bangladesh asked for the withdrawal of anti-dumping duties imposed by Pakistan on its hydrogen peroxide exports -- a request the Pakistani side is said to have responded to positively.

“We also sought support for developing our leather and sugar industries,” he added.

Recalling earlier cooperation, the advisor said: “Pakistan once allowed us to export 10 million kilogrammes of tea duty-free. We have asked for that to be reinstated.”

He emphasised that Bangladesh imports around $80 billion worth of goods annually, of which $15 billion comprises food and intermediate products.

The new Trade and Investment Commission will evaluate opportunities to boost bilateral trade in these categories, he added.

“We explored agricultural and food trade, including fruit imports and exports,” Bashir said. “We sought assistance to enhance local sugar production and invited Pakistan’s investment in intermediate goods.”

When asked if Bangladesh was leaning more towards Pakistan, he said: “We are engaging with all partners -- Pakistan, the US. We are also importing onions from India. Above all, we prioritise Bangladesh’s interests and engage wherever they lie.”

Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, speaking at the same event, noted that bilateral trade with Pakistan had remained limited for nearly 15 years.

“We import food, stone and goods from multiple countries. If Pakistan can supply these at competitive prices, there’s no objection,” he said.

“At the same time, we are keen to increase exports. Currently, our imports from Pakistan exceed our exports. Boosting exports will be advantageous for the country,” he added.