Pakistan is preparing to send a trade delegation to Bangladesh after Eid-ul-Adha in a move aimed at enhancing bilateral economic relations, as ties between the two countries continue to improve following the end of Prime Minister Hasina Wajid’s administration.
In this context, a delegation from the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by Secretary General Zulfiqar Butt and including Women Chamber Chairperson Hina Mansab, met with Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan on Tuesday.
The discussion focused on enhancing regional trade cooperation, particularly with Bangladesh. Rana Ihsaan Afzaal, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Commerce, and senior officials from the ministry also attended the meeting.
According to sources, Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Dhaka has conveyed that the current government in Bangladesh is showing a favorable disposition toward Pakistan.
Political parties across the spectrum reportedly view Pakistan positively. Given this momentum, there is a strong push to convene the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting at the earliest.
The High Commissioner also reported his meetings with key Bangladeshi officials, including the commerce adviser and commerce secretary.
The Bangladeshi side is currently finalizing the agenda and dates for the JEC, which will be held in Dhaka. Recently, Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary also visited Dhaka for high-level talks.
The High Commissioner has been instructed to hold further consultations with Bangladeshi officials to gather data on key import industries and identify potential areas for bilateral trade cooperation.
This data has been shared with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), which is preparing a detailed presentation on Pakistan’s export strategy. Key sectors include food, IT, and textiles.
The strategy will be presented at the upcoming International Market Meeting (IMM).
The Pakistani mission has also submitted a proposal to Islamabad for reactivating the Joint Business Council (JBC).
During the JEC meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) of Bangladesh.
Additionally, the Ministry of Science and Technology has submitted a draft MoU concerning standards and testing to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) for renewal.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has provided updated information regarding the 2021 contract of affreightment for further discussion with Bangladesh.
It has also shared new proposals concerning a shipping exchange with the Bangladeshi side.
On matters of trade imbalance, SAFTA, and a possible Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the Ministry of Commerce has developed and shared the structure, terms of reference, and a concept note for a proposed Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade and Investment with MoFA for engagement with Bangladesh.
Fresh proposals and recommendations on FTA and SAFTA have also been prepared for consideration by the Bangladeshi side.
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