Bangladesh and Pakistan have agreed to strengthen bilateral trade and industrial cooperation, with particular emphasis on food commodities, fertiliser and jute, as both countries seek to unlock new business and investment opportunities.
The commitment was made during a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Industries in Dhaka, where Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Adviser Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir held talks with a Pakistani delegation led by Asim Azim Siddiqui, Chairman of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP).
The discussions focused on expanding trade in agricultural commodities, edible oil, pulses, chickpeas, sugar, urea fertiliser and jute, while identifying new areas of collaboration between the two countries’ public and private sectors.
Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider, Industries Secretary Abdun Naser Khan, Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan and other senior officials also attended the meeting.
Speaking at the meeting, Adviser Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir said stronger economic cooperation would contribute to the sustainable development of both countries and create new opportunities for trade, investment and industrial growth.
He said the government is implementing reforms to improve the business climate, facilitate trade and accelerate industrialisation, which would help strengthen Bangladesh-Pakistan commercial relations.
Pakistan Eyes Greater Food Exports
TCP Chairman Asim Azim Siddiqui expressed Pakistan’s interest in expanding exports of rice, pulses, chickpeas, edible oil and urea fertiliser to Bangladesh.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s growing demand for Bangladesh’s high-quality jute and jute products, describing the sector as a promising avenue for increasing bilateral trade.
The Pakistani delegation informed the meeting that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) is in its final stage. The agreement is expected to facilitate government-to-government trade in food commodities and is likely to be signed during the first week of July, subject to the completion of necessary formalities.
Focus on Long-Term Trade Cooperation
The meeting also discussed Pakistan’s proposal to source products from competitive international markets where direct exports are not feasible, while ensuring full compliance with Bangladesh’s existing trade laws and regulations.
Both sides agreed to reactivate the Bangladesh-Pakistan Joint Working Group, exchange business delegations and strengthen cooperation in agriculture, industry and trade to support long-term economic engagement.
The renewed engagement reflects the growing interest of both countries in expanding bilateral commerce through stronger institutional collaboration, improved market access and greater private sector participation.
