Pakistan's trade team visits Dhaka to explore closer business ties

Pakistan is seeking to push business ties along with firming up defence partnership with Bangladesh, where the interim government is seeking to recast the relationship.

A business delegation from Pakistan, led by Atif Ikram Sheikh, president of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, met with Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Bangladesh interim government's commerce adviser, in Dhaka on Sunday.

The two sides discussed ways and means to enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation, said people familiar with the matter. Bangladesh has started importing sugar and other raw materials from Pakistan.



The FPCCI president said a prominent multi-sectoral exporters' delegation is visiting Bangladesh with an aim to enhance trade and commercial ties. Highlighting the vast potential for expanding bilateral trade in various fields, he expressed confidence that enhanced economic engagement could pave the way for a new era of trade relations, benefiting businesses and economies on both sides.

Pakistan's high commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, was also present at the meeting.


Earlier, the delegation met the executive chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun. Discussions centred on exploring trade and investment opportunities between the two countries, said the people cited earlier.

To strengthen trade ties with Pakistan, the interim government in Bangladesh has simplified the visa process for Pakistanis. Bangladesh high commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain, on Sunday said increasing trade and investment between the two countries must be a top priority to move forward.