Bangladesh and Pakistan have taken steps to expand cooperation in various sectors including food products, fertilisers, and jute.
During a courtesy call on Commerce, Industry, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir, Trading Corporation of Pakistan Chairman Asim Azim Siddiqui emphasised the need to expand Dhaka–Islamabad bilateral trade.
Minister Muqtadir held the meeting with a delegation led by Siddiqui at the Ministry of Industries on Monday. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider was also present.
Industry Secretary Abdun Naser Khan, Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, and other officials attended the meeting.
Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in agricultural products, fertilizers, edible oil, pulses, chickpeas, sugar, urea, and jute. Delegates also discussed enhancing food supply and industrial collaboration between the two countries.
Minister Muqtadir said stronger trade relations are essential for sustainable economic development of both nations.
He noted that greater coordination between public and private sectors would create new investment and business opportunities. He also said that the government is advancing necessary reforms to facilitate trade, industrialisation, and a business‑friendly environment, which will support expansion of bilateral trade.
TCP Chairman Siddiqui said Pakistan is interested in exporting rice, pulses, chickpeas, fertilizers, and edible oil to Bangladesh. He added that there is strong demand in Pakistan for Bangladesh’s high‑quality jute and jute products.
He further stated that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) and TCP to facilitate government‑level food trade is at the final stage and may be signed in the first week of July.
The Pakistani delegation also proposed cooperation to ensure supply of products at competitive international prices in cases where direct export is not possible, while adhering to Bangladesh’s existing policies and legal framework.
Both sides agreed to expedite activation of the Bangladesh–Pakistan Joint Working Group, exchange business delegations, and expand cooperation in agriculture and industry.
