Pak businessmen visit Dhaka after 12 years
1. Bangladesh official says that exploring possible cooperation would benefit both countries
LAHORE: A Pakistani business delegation, led by Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), met with Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin at the Commerce Ministry Conference Room in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday.
Discussions centered on enhancing bilateral economic ties and increasing investments between the two countries. This visit marks the first Pakistani business delegation to Bangladesh in 12 years, following the conclusion of the Hasina Wajid regime. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, also attended the meeting, which was held at the invitation of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).
According to Bangladeshi media reports, the meeting addressed key issues, including bilateral trade, simplifying visa procedures, launching direct flights between the two countries, and exploring future investment opportunities. Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister, Sheikh Bashir Uddin, highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to tap into economic, industrial, and trade opportunities with Pakistan. Both sides agreed to enhance mutual trade and encouraged stronger ties between their business communities.
The Bangladeshi Commerce Ministry issued a press release emphasizing that initiatives have been launched to establish sustainable trade relations with Pakistan. Sheikh Bashir Uddin pointed out that, considering the population sizes of both nations, the current trade volume remains far below potential. He called for increased dialogue between business communities to foster cooperation that would benefit both countries.
The FPCCI delegation acknowledged Bangladesh’s recent easing of visa requirements for Pakistani nationals and urged the issuance of long-term visas to further facilitate business exchanges. Similarly, Pakistan has also relaxed visa restrictions for Bangladeshi citizens. Atif Ikram Sheikh emphasized that visa complications and the absence of direct flight connections hinder the expansion of trade relations and called for immediate measures to resolve these issues.
The Pakistani delegation expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh's agriculture, education, tourism, and ceramics sectors. They also invited Bangladeshi investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan under the newly launched Export Facilitation Scheme. Additionally, the delegation proposed organizing a trade expo in Bangladesh to strengthen economic ties.
Atif Ikram Sheikh described the visit as the beginning of a new era, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh. The FPCCI highlighted Bangladesh’s prioritization of trade relations with Pakistan as a positive step forward.
