BD, Pakistan move to revive trade ties
Staff Reporter :
Bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Pakistan is showing renewed momentum, with Dhaka preparing for deeper engagement across a wide range of economic issues following the arrival of Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan on Thursday.
Kamal’s four-day official visit is expected to revitalise ties that have remained largely dormant for the past 15 years and create new avenues for cooperation in trade and investment. His trip precedes a rare visit by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on 23 August. Dar’s visit, the first by a Pakistani foreign minister in a decade, aims to further strengthen bilateral relations. According to officials at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kamal’s visit will include the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) intended to boost trade, reduce the existing trade deficit, and encourage sector-specific collaboration.
On Thursday, the first day of his visit, Kamal is scheduled to meet government advisers on commerce, industry, and food, as well as representatives of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI). On Friday, he will travel to Chattogram to visit the port, hold talks with the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and tour Bangladesh Steel Re-Rolling Mills. Saturday’s itinerary includes a visit to Square Pharmaceuticals’ factory in Tangail.
The final day, Sunday, will feature meetings with the commerce adviser, commerce secretary, and secretaries for jute and textiles, as well as representatives from the Export Promotion Bureau, Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, Trade and Tariff Commission, National Board of Revenue, and Bangladesh Bank. Kamal will also meet the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the foreign affairs adviser.
The Ministry of Commerce confirmed that four MoUs will be signed during the visit, covering cooperation with the commerce, information, and cultural ministries. The MoU with the commerce ministry will focus specifically on facilitating bilateral trade. Discussions are expected to centre on seven priority sectors: food and agriculture, pharmaceuticals, steel, jute and jute products, garments, leather and leather products, and services. Both sides are keen to identify complementary roles in these industries to enhance cooperation.
Pakistan currently exports cotton yarn and fabric, essential for Bangladesh’s garment industry, while Dhaka seeks greater access for its apparel products in the Pakistani market. Islamabad is also exploring the expansion of rice, wheat, fruit, dates, and nut exports to Bangladesh.
Conversely, Bangladesh is looking to increase exports of freshwater fish, shrimp, processed foods, pharmaceuticals, jute products, leather goods, and steel. Opportunities are also being explored in software, IT services, and freelancing, where Bangladeshi professionals have established expertise.
According to data from the Export Promotion Bureau and Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh exported goods worth USD 48 million to Pakistan in the last fiscal year, compared with imports exceeding USD 624 million, highlighting a significant trade imbalance. Since 2001, Pakistan’s cumulative investment in Bangladesh has totalled around USD 18.32 crore, mainly in banking, textiles and apparel, trading, construction, and pharmaceuticals.
The upcoming visit of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to result in a series of new agreements, including MoUs on visa-free travel for diplomatic and official passport holders, cooperation between the foreign service academies of both countries, and the creation of a Joint Working Group under the commerce ministries. Officials also anticipate the renewal of a cultural exchange MoU and a news-sharing agreement between Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) and Pakistan’s Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
Together, these high-level visits mark a significant step in resetting Dhaka-Islamabad relations, with both sides aiming to unlock untapped opportunities in trade, investment, and cultural exchange after years of limited engagement.
