Pakistan commerce minister eyes deeper trade ties with Bangladesh

Pakistan's Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan today said it is possible to increase bilateral trade manifold between Bangladesh and Pakistan through taking necessary steps and mutual cooperation.

"Both countries are currently in a positive position to develop relations. There is also considerable interest among businessmen. There is an opportunity to increase trade in many sectors, including tourism, culture, shipbuilding, construction, ICT, etc," he said. 

The minister said this while meeting with leaders of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) at its Motijheel office in the city, said a press release.

FBCCI Administrator Md Hafizur Rahman presided over the meeting.

During the meeting, various aspects of trade, industry, food and investment cooperation between the two countries were discussed. 

Jam Kamal Khan said sector-wise delegations from Pakistan will visit Bangladesh in phases to identify potential areas.

Referring to the experience of visiting the port city of Chattogram during the ongoing tour, he said that various companies in Bangladesh build ships. 

"Pakistan also has to import ships. There is an opportunity to work jointly here," he added. 

Jam Kamal Khan, however, laid importance on paying attention to trilateral trade relations in addition to bilateral trade. 

He said that if Bangladesh and Pakistan work together, there can be opportunities to capture the huge markets of Africa and Central Asia.

Md Hafizur said that although there is a trade deficit between Bangladesh and Pakistan, the economic relations of the two countries are gradually strengthening through mutual cooperation. 

"There is more potential for mutual cooperation in trade, investment and technology. The two countries must work together to explore new opportunities to increase mutual development and potential," he added. 

Hafizur Rahman said that FBCCI is ready to organize meetings and seminars with entrepreneurs from both countries to increase business contacts between Bangladesh and Pakistan.