High-level talks held to expand trade and cooperation between Bangladesh and Pakistan

A high-level meeting between Bangladesh and Pakistan has focused on expanding bilateral trade, enhancing food supply, and strengthening industrial cooperation. 

Discussions emphasised mutual collaboration in sectors including agricultural products, fertilisers, edible oil, pulses, chickpeas, sugar, urea, and jute.

A delegation led by Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) Chairman Asim Azim Siddiqui paid a courtesy call and held discussions with Commerce, Industry and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir at the Industries Ministry on Monday. 

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider attended the meeting, along with Industries Ministry Secretary Abdun Nasser Khan, Commerce Ministry Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, and other senior officials.

Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir highlighted the importance of further strengthening trade relations for the sustainable economic development of both countries. 

He noted that increased coordination between public and private sectors would create new investment and business opportunities. The government is implementing necessary reforms to facilitate trade, promote industrialisation, and foster a business-friendly environment, which would support expanded trade ties.

TCP Chairman Asim Azim Siddiqui expressed Pakistan’s interest in exporting agricultural products such as rice, pulses, gram, fertiliser, and edible oil to Bangladesh. 

He added that there is significant demand in the Pakistani market for high-quality jute and jute products from Bangladesh.

He stated that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) and TCP to facilitate government-level food trade is in its final stage, with hopes of signing it in the first week of July.

The delegation offered cooperation in sourcing supplies from international markets at competitive prices where direct exports are not feasible, while confirming that Bangladesh’s existing policies and legal framework would be followed.

Both sides agreed to promptly activate the Bangladesh-Pakistan Joint Working Group, exchange business delegations, and collaborate to broaden cooperation in agricultural and industrial sectors.