ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has extended a strategic offer to Bangladesh, granting access to Karachi Port for enhanced regional trade connectivity, marking a significant breakthrough in bilateral relations between the two South Asian nations.
The groundbreaking announcement emerged from the ninth Joint Economic Commission (JEC) session held in Dhaka—the first such high-level meeting in two decades. Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik and Bangladesh’s Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed co-chaired the historic discussions that focused on revitalizing economic partnerships.
Strategic Port Access and Regional Trade
The Karachi Port Trust facility will enable Bangladesh to expand commercial activities with China, Central Asian republics, and other regional markets, providing crucial access to new trade corridors. Both nations emphasized strengthening collaboration between their respective national shipping corporations to facilitate seamless maritime operations.
Halal Trade and Certification Framework
A memorandum of understanding was signed to advance cooperation in halal trade, establishing standardized protocols for halal product certification and quality assurance. This initiative aims to boost bilateral commerce in the growing global halal market.
Educational and Cultural Initiatives
Pakistan proposed establishing a “Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor,” offering 500 fully-funded scholarships to Bangladeshi students. Additionally, training opportunities under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme will expand from five to 25 slots annually.
Both governments committed to launching direct flight connections, enhancing people-to-people exchanges and business travel convenience.
Comprehensive Cooperation Framework
The commission addressed collaboration across multiple sectors including energy, information technology, agriculture, climate change mitigation, healthcare, banking, and tourism. Both nations agreed to promote medical and religious tourism, leveraging their shared cultural heritage.
Minister Malik acknowledged Bangladesh’s hospitality, emphasizing that bilateral relations rest on foundations of mutual respect and friendship, signaling a new chapter in Pakistan-Bangladesh cooperation.
