Pakistan expresses strong interest in boosting bilateral trade with Bangladesh

Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, paid a courtesy visit to the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) today, where he held an interactive meeting with DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed.

During the meeting, Taskeen Ahmed highlighted the cultural, culinary, and lifestyle similarities between the people of Bangladesh and Pakistan. He noted the strong demand in Bangladesh for Pakistani textiles and jewelry and stressed that Bangladesh’s private sector has long been calling for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with potential partners. A Bangladesh-Pakistan FTA, he said, would significantly boost bilateral trade. He also pointed out that direct passenger and cargo flights between the two countries would strengthen business connectivity.

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan observed that both nations heavily depend on apparel and textiles for exports. To enhance competitiveness, he underscored the need for diversification of exportable products. He noted the growing international demand—particularly in Europe, Canada, and the US—for reused clothing, which offers a new opportunity for entrepreneurs from both countries to collaborate.

He further said Bangladesh and Pakistan could work together to expand exports to Africa, East Africa, and Central Asia, while also tapping into their own large but underutilized consumer markets. Kamal mentioned Pakistan’s strong performance in producing cement, sugar, footwear, and leather goods, which Bangladesh could consider importing.

The minister also emphasized the adoption of modern technology and greater value addition in agriculture to access billion-dollar global markets. He announced that a ‘Single Country Exhibition’ of Pakistani products will soon be held in Bangladesh to foster stronger private-sector ties.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, along with DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, Vice President Md. Salem Sulaiman, board members, and senior officials from the Pakistan High Commission, were also present at the meeting.