A Pakistani business delegation, led by Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh, visited Bangladesh after a 12-year hiatus. This landmark visit marked renewed efforts to strengthen bilateral economic ties and enhance trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.
High-Level Meetings to Foster Collaboration
The delegation met Bangladesh’s Adviser to the Ministry of Commerce, Sheikh Bashir Uddin, at the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka. The meeting, held in the Commerce Ministry Conference Room, was also attended by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof.
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Discussions covered a wide array of issues, including enhancing bilateral trade, streamlining visa requirements, launching direct airline operations, and exploring investment opportunities. Sheikh Bashir Uddin stressed the need for cooperation in economic, industrial, and trade sectors, highlighting that current trade volumes remain low given the population sizes of the two countries.
Renewed Economic Ties After Political Change
The visit is significant as it is the first by a Pakistani business delegation to Bangladesh in over a decade, following the end of the Hasina Wajid regime. The delegation arrived at the invitation of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), signaling a thaw in relations and a mutual interest in fostering economic collaboration.
Visa and Travel Simplifications
A major focus of the discussions was the easing of visa processes for businesspeople from both countries. The Pakistani delegation welcomed Bangladesh’s decision to relax visa restrictions for Pakistanis and called for the issuance of long-term visas for business purposes. FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh noted that visa complications and the lack of direct flight operations have hindered trade growth. Pakistan, in turn, has also eased visa conditions for Bangladeshi nationals.
Investment Opportunities Explored
The Pakistani business delegation expressed keen interest in investing in Bangladesh’s agricultural production, education, tourism, and ceramic sectors. They also proposed organizing a trade expo in Bangladesh to showcase investment opportunities.
Bangladesh’s Minister for Commerce emphasized the need for increased dialogue between the business communities of the two nations, stating that exploring cooperative ventures would be mutually beneficial. He assured support for Pakistani businesses and highlighted ongoing initiatives to establish sustainable trade relations.
Statements of Commitment
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh described the visit as the beginning of a new era in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. “Pakistan will stand by Bangladesh in every situation,” he affirmed, underscoring a shared commitment to economic partnership. Senior Vice President Saqib Fayyaz Magoon echoed these sentiments, urging further facilitation of business exchanges.
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Bangladesh’s Minister of Commerce reiterated his commitment to boosting trade ties and supporting joint initiatives in economic and industrial sectors. He emphasized that both countries have significant untapped potential to enhance their bilateral trade.