Pakistan-Bangladesh revive trade ties after 20 years

 August 22, 2025 (MLN): In a breakthrough for bilateral economic cooperation with potential to reshape regional trade, Pakistan and Bangladesh have agreed to revive their Joint Economic Commission (JEC) after nearly two decades, with the last meeting held in 2005.

Pakistan's Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan held extensive discussions with Bangladesh's Adviser for Commerce Sk. Bashir Uddin and Adviser for Food Ali Imam Majumdar in Dhaka today, with Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider facilitating the high-stakes negotiations.

The landmark meetings resulted in multiple groundbreaking agreements designed to enhance bilateral trade ties, mutual investments, and economic cooperation between the two South Asian nations.

50,000 mt rice delivery success 

Both countries expressed satisfaction over the successful completion of Pakistan's 50,000 metric tons rice delivery to Bangladesh under the January 2025 MoU between Trading Corporation of Pakistan and Bangladesh's Directorate General of Food.

"This MoU will work as a gateway for regular exchanges of delegations on both Government-to-Government and Business-to-Business levels for enhancing trade of essential commodities," officials confirmed during the meeting.

The rice trade success has opened doors for broader food security collaborations, with both nations committed to improving agricultural practices to meet growing food commodity demands.

Joint Working Group and Trade Commission to drive economic integration

The two countries announced the formation of a Joint Working Group on Trade specifically designed to enhance economic ties and foster greater bilateral cooperation.

Additionally, a new Joint Trade Commission will present a comprehensive roadmap for building existing trade relations, setting future commercial targets, and defining strategic steps to achieve ambitious goals.

Multi-sector cooperation spans agriculture to green technology

Ministers discussed extensive collaboration opportunities across diverse sectors including:

• Agricultural modernization and agro-processing
• Renewable energy initiatives
• Steel industry partnerships
• Green ship breaking and shipbuilding
• Halal trade development
• Construction materials and minerals
• Food processing (dates, sugar, rice, dehydrated fruits)
• Leather industry cooperation

Pakistan invites Bangladesh to the major Agricultural Exhibition

Minister Kamal Khan extended a strategic invitation for Bangladeshi businesses and government officials to participate in the 3rd International Food and Agricultural Exhibition (FoodAg) scheduled for November 25-27, 2025, in Karachi.

The exhibition provides an unprecedented opportunity for Bangladesh to gain an in-depth understanding of Pakistan's agricultural landscape and explore potential partnerships.

Trade facilitation and tariff reduction on the agenda

Both sides emphasized improving connectivity and logistics for trade cost reduction, while discussing tariff and duty reductions alongside preferential access for certain Bangladeshi products in the Pakistani market.

"There is vast untapped potential of bilateral trade, and people of both countries are set to benefit from these opportunities," officials noted, emphasizing the need to build on existing momentum and create a more conducive trading environment.

Regional economic integration gains momentum

The revival of the JEC after two decades represents a significant shift in regional economic cooperation as both governments are committed to the swift implementation of comprehensive strategies for promoting trade, investment, and economic collaboration.

The multiple stakeholder engagement approach promises to unlock substantial economic benefits for both nations while strengthening South Asian regional integration.

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