Bangladesh, Pakistan agree to boost connectivity through direct air, shipping, logistics
The two countries reached a consensus during the 9th meeting of the Bangladesh–Pakistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC), held today at the National Economic Council in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, marking the first such meeting in nearly two decades since 2005.
Highlights
- Bangladesh, Pakistan hold 9th JEC after 20 years
- Agreed to boost trade, investment, connectivity
- Direct air, sea links under discussion
- Signed MoU on Halal trade cooperation
- Talks covered energy, education, climate issues
- Plan to explore new trade deal beyond SAFTA
Bangladesh and Pakistan have expressed interest in boosting regional connectivity by establishing direct air and shipping links, expanding the use of ports and logistics to reduce costs, and deepening bilateral and regional trade cooperation.
The two countries reached a consensus during the 9th meeting of the Bangladesh–Pakistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC), held today (27 October) at the National Economic Council in Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, marking the first such meeting in nearly two decades since 2005.
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Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed led the Bangladesh delegation, while the Pakistan side was headed by Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) Ali Pervaiz Malik.
According to a press release from the Economic Relations Division (ERD), both sides underscored the significant untapped potential for enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, energy, higher education, banking, tourism, sports, and climate change.
The meeting, held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, reaffirmed both countries' commitment to elevating economic, trade, and investment ties to a new strategic level.
ERD officials said both sides agreed to take measures to strengthen business-to-business (B2B) trade engagement and diversify the trade basket. They also decided to explore a concessionary trade agreement offering deeper tariff reductions than the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA).
Pakistan requested expedited market access for mango exports to Bangladesh, while both sides discussed encouraging cooperation between Pakistani textile companies and Bangladesh's RMG sector through fabric supply partnerships.
Both sides also appreciated the export of 52,000 tonnes of white rice from Pakistan to Bangladesh under the G2G agreement signed earlier this year and emphasised the importance of its optimal utilisation at a mutually agreed price.
It was mutually agreed that the 10th JEC meeting will be held in Islamabad at a time convenient to both countries.
