Summary:
- Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to resume direct flights soon, aiming to boost trade and connectivity between the two nations.
- Bangladesh’s Deputy High Commissioner invited Pakistani businesses to a Dhaka trade fair in January 2025, promising easier visa processes.
- Collaborative trade exhibitions in Hyderabad and direct maritime cargo links are strengthening bilateral economic ties.
- Challenges like trade barriers and customs issues persist, but both nations are working to enhance cooperation.
Bangladesh and Pakistan are poised to strengthen their bilateral ties with the imminent resumption of direct flights between the two nations, a development expected to bolster trade and economic relations. The announcement was made by Bangladesh’s Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi, S.M. Mahbubul Alam, during a visit to the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI) in Pakistan. This move marks a significant step in fostering connectivity and collaboration between the two South Asian countries.
The direct flights, anticipated to commence soon, aim to facilitate smoother business interactions and enhance people-to-people connections. Mahbubul Alam emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it would invigorate trade relations and open new avenues for cooperation. He also invited Pakistani business leaders to participate in Bangladesh’s annual trade exhibition scheduled for January 2025 in Dhaka, assuring them of streamlined visa processes to encourage their involvement.
This announcement comes amid broader efforts by both nations to improve their historically strained relations. The interim Bangladeshi government, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has shown a strong commitment to expanding trade ties with Pakistan. Mahbubul Alam highlighted Bangladesh’s robust export economy, which spans 80 countries and generates billions in revenue. However, he stressed the need for stronger bilateral trade with Pakistan to unlock further potential.
In addition to the direct flights, plans are underway for collaborative trade exhibitions in Hyderabad, organized with HCSTSI’s support. These events aim to connect importers and exporters from both countries, fostering mutual growth. HCSTSI President Muhammad Saleem Memon underscored the shared historical and cultural ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan and called for greater efforts to overcome existing trade barriers.
The resumption of direct flights is part of a broader trend toward improving connectivity between the two nations. Recently, a historic milestone was achieved when a cargo vessel from Karachi docked directly at Chittagong Port for the first time in over five decades. This maritime link has significantly reduced transit times and costs, paving the way for increased trade volumes.
Despite these positive developments, challenges remain. Trade between Bangladesh and Pakistan has been hampered by non-tariff barriers, complex customs procedures, and political tensions in recent years. In fiscal year 2022-23, bilateral trade stood at $782 million, with a significant imbalance favoring Pakistan. Efforts are now focused on addressing these issues through initiatives like easing visa restrictions and reactivating bilateral mechanisms such as the Joint Economic Commission.
The resumption of direct flights is expected to complement these efforts by providing a faster and more reliable mode of transport for goods and passengers. It also holds strategic importance as both countries seek to diversify their trade partnerships amidst shifting regional dynamics.
As Bangladesh and Pakistan take these steps toward closer cooperation, there is optimism that these initiatives will not only strengthen economic ties but also foster goodwill and mutual understanding between their peoples.
Source: Ittefaq
