Pakistani Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday night for a four-day official visit.
At Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, he was received by Bangladesh’s Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin and Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Dhaka, Imran Haider.
According to a press release issued by the Pakistan High Commission, the key objectives of the visit are:
- To strengthen bilateral trade relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan
- To explore new avenues for economic cooperation
Currently, annual bilateral trade between the two nations stands at approximately USD 900 million. Both sides believe that through market expansion and investment collaboration, this figure has the potential to rise significantly.
During his stay, the Pakistani Commerce Minister will meet with Bangladesh’s Commerce Adviser, senior government officials, and leading representatives of the business community.
Key areas expected to feature prominently in the discussions include:
| Sector | Areas of Potential Cooperation |
| Apparel & Textiles | Export expansion, technology sharing |
| Pharmaceuticals | Production collaboration, market access |
| Agricultural Products | Trade in agro-based goods |
| Leather Goods | Processing and export partnerships |
| Information Technology | Outsourcing, software development, innovation exchange |
In addition, the minister is scheduled to hold consultations with business associations. These talks are set to address:
- Tariff and non-tariff barriers
- High logistics costs
- Trade facilitation measures
- Investment protection frameworks
- Enhancement of regional economic connectivity
Both Bangladesh and Pakistan are important members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Diplomats suggest that closer ties between the two nations could pave the way for a new era of regional trade and economic cooperation.
This marks the first official visit by a Pakistani Commerce Minister to Dhaka since 2005, making it a significant diplomatic development.
Observers note that despite political and historical complexities, both countries are now prioritising economic interests and moving towards strengthening bilateral trade relations, which could have a positive impact on the wider region.
