Dhaka Seeks Duty- and Quota-Free Access for Bangladeshi Goods to Pakistani Market

After two decades, Bangladesh and Pakistan have held the ninth session of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC), focusing on strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation. During the meeting, Dhaka requested duty- and quota-free access for Bangladeshi products to the Pakistani market.

The meeting took place on Monday (October 27) at the Planning Commission in Agargaon, Dhaka.

Discussions between the two countries covered several potential memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in areas such as agricultural research, halal food, information technology, and maritime transport. Following nearly three hours of talks, Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed and Pakistan’s Minister for Energy Ali Parvez Malik briefed the media.

The Economic Adviser stated that discussions were held on maritime navigation, expanding air connectivity, and efforts to revitalize SAARC.

Pakistan’s Energy Minister noted that this meeting would help strengthen people-to-people connections and bilateral relations between the two nations. He also mentioned discussions on importing jute and pharmaceuticals from Bangladesh.

According to the Economic Relations Division, during the 2024–25 fiscal year, Bangladesh imported goods worth USD 787 million from Pakistan while exporting products worth only USD 80 million.

Khaborwala/TSN