Bangladesh, Pakistan joint initiatives stressed to boost bilateral trade

Businessmen of both Bangladesh and Pakistan have emphasised on taking joint initiatives to tap into unexplored and new potentials to boost bilateral trade and investment.

The business leaders of both the countries expressed their eagerness to take joint initiatives in various prospective sectors at the “Bangladesh-Pakistan Business Forum” held in the capital on Monday (January 13), said a FBCCI press release.

The forum was held between the delegation of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the delegation of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) with FBCCI Administrator Md. Hafizur Rahman in the chair.

In his welcome address, the FBCCI Administrator said although there has been a continuous growth in trade and commerce between Bangladesh and Pakistan over the years, but many potential sectors including agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, ICT, remained unexplored.

“It’s possible to increase trade and commerce between the two countries manifold through taking joint initiatives,” he observed.

Md Hafizur Rahman emphasised on utilising the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to strengthen Bangladesh-Pakistan trade relations.

Speaking on the occasion, Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), said that there is a huge trade potential between Bangladesh and Pakistan.

“There is an ample scope for the two countries to work together, especially in the agriculture, pharmaceuticals, leather, machinery, chemicals, and ICT sectors. In this regard, the facilities of regional connectivity can be utilised,” he added.