Bangladesh, Pakistan to ink MoU on forming Joint Working Group Sunday

Pakistan’s Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan announced that Bangladesh and Pakistan will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sunday to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) aimed at strengthening bilateral trade ties.

“The JWG will prepare a detailed roadmap to boost trade and investment between the two countries,” Khan said while addressing a views-exchange meeting with entrepreneurs and business leaders in Chattogram this morning.

Speaking at the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) conference room, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin said the government has been working tirelessly to expand partnerships with as many countries as possible to diversify opportunities and enhance trade capacity.

“As part of these initiatives, we have engaged with Pakistan to explore new business and investment avenues,” he added, expressing hope that local entrepreneurs would drive trade and investment to greater heights.

The Pakistani minister stressed the need for joint efforts to strengthen bilateral trade, noting that several Pakistani delegations had already visited Bangladesh, with more visits planned to identify potential sectors for collaboration.

“Global trade dynamics have created fresh opportunities. Pakistani businesses are keen to deepen ties with their Bangladeshi counterparts,” he said, mentioning that Pakistan has eased visa rules for Bangladeshi traders and that direct flights between the two countries will commence soon.

CCCI Administrator Muhammad Anowar Pasha called for addressing the trade imbalance, pointing out that Bangladesh imports over \$700 million worth of goods from Pakistan annually, while Pakistan’s imports from Bangladesh total only \$58 million.

Participants at the discussion suggested arranging exhibitions and trade fairs to promote each country’s products and expand bilateral trade. They also proposed that Pakistan import readymade garments and accessories from Bangladesh and invest in the country’s education and industrial sectors.

The meeting was attended by Additional Secretary of the Commerce Ministry Dr. Naznin Kawser Chowdhury, Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Zia Uddin, Jute Exporters Association President Ekramul Karim Chowdhury, BSRM Group Chairman Ali Hossein Akbar Ali, and BGMEA Director M. Mohiddin Chowdhury, among others.