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Pakistan has expressed keen interest in boosting bilateral trade with Bangladesh for mutual benefit, highlighting opportunities for closer economic cooperation between the two countries.
The announcement came during an interactive meeting between Pakistan's Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed at the trade body's Motijheel office in Dhaka on Thursday.
Highlighting areas of cooperation, Pakistan's minister Jam Kamal Khan said both countries rely heavily on apparel and textile exports and stressed the need to diversify products to access new markets.
"Recently, there has been a surge in demand for re-used clothes in Europe, Canada, and the United States. Entrepreneurs from both countries can collaborate to explore this growing market."
The minister highlighted opportunities to expand exports to Africa, East Africa, and Central Asia, suggesting Bangladesh could import cement, sugar, footwear, and leather from Pakistan, while Pakistan could benefit from Bangladesh's pharmaceutical expertise.
"Exchange of knowledge in pharmaceuticals and adoption of new technologies in agriculture will allow both countries to tap into the billion-dollar global market," he added.
The Pakistan minister further announced that a single country exhibition of Pakistani products would soon be organised in Bangladesh to strengthen private sector ties between the two nations.
Welcoming the Pakistani delegation, DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed highlighted the shared cultural, culinary, and lifestyle similarities between the peoples of Bangladesh and Pakistan.
"Pakistan's textiles and jewellery products enjoy strong demand in Bangladesh," he said.
Mr Ahmed also reiterated the private sector's longstanding call for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Pakistan to further expand bilateral trade.
He urged the authorities to consider launching direct passenger and cargo flights to enhance business connectivity between the two countries.
The meeting was attended by Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider, DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, Vice President Md Salem Sulaiman, members of the board of directors, and senior officials of the Pakistan High Commission in Bangladesh.
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