Bangladesh simplifies visa procedure for Pakistanis to boost trade and economic ties
The Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan stated that the trade potential between the two nations is largely underutilized, and Pakistan has the opportunity to take advantage of it.
The interim government in Bangladesh has streamlined the visa process for Pakistanis to further enhance trade and economic relations between the two countries. Bangladesh's High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain, informed the business community in Lahore at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on January 11, 2025, that the current government has eliminated the need for clearance from Dhaka for Pakistani heads of missions when issuing visas.
According to Dawn News, Mr. Hussain emphasized that boosting trade and investment between Bangladesh and Pakistan should be a priority moving forward. He noted that the interim government, led by Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus, is keen to improve relations with Pakistan, which have been less than ideal over the past decade.
Mr. Hussain highlighted Bangladesh’s 180 million-strong population as a significant consumer market that Pakistan has the potential to tap into. He pointed out that the trade potential between the two nations remains largely untapped, presenting an opportunity for Pakistan to capitalize on it.
Additionally, the High Commissioner spoke about Chief Advisor Yunus’ efforts to foster regional cooperation and called for greater collaboration among South Asian countries. He underscored the need to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to boost regional trade and cooperation.
Despite the growing global emphasis on regional cooperation, South Asia still faces challenges that require collective efforts to overcome. Mr. Hussain stressed that both countries bear the responsibility of creating opportunities for the current generation while removing barriers to mutual trade and cooperation.
Reflecting on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted that it highlighted the importance of international collaboration, stating, "It is essential to recognize that nations must cooperate during crises to ensure smooth trade."
LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad shared that two-way trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh reached $718 million in the fiscal year 2023-24.
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