Pakistan, Bangladesh plan direct flights, expand trade opportunities

Islamabad: Bangladesh's High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mohammad Iqbal Hussain, announced on Tuesday that direct flights between the two countries are expected to begin within the next few months. This comes as relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have improved, following years of distance after the two nations split in 1971 during the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Since their separation, Bangladesh, under its former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had closely aligned itself with India, keeping Pakistan at a distance. However, following a popular uprising that led to Hasina’s government being toppled in August, the two countries have seen a thaw in relations, with trade and bilateral ties improving.

During a meeting with Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), the Bangladeshi diplomat emphasized that the start of direct flights would significantly improve connectivity and strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two countries. Hussain also announced that cargo flights between Dhaka, Karachi, and Lahore would begin soon, making trade between the countries easier.

Hussain highlighted Bangladesh's commitment to expanding business partnerships with Pakistan. He pointed out that Pakistani citizens can easily apply for Bangladeshi visas online. The High Commissioner encouraged both countries to explore joint ventures and industrial collaborations, noting the great potential for businesses to work together for mutual benefit.

There are several areas where the two countries can work together, including trade of goods. Pakistan exports items such as sugar, steel, surgical instruments, cement, dry fruits, pink salt, milk products, marble, and coal to Bangladesh. In return, Pakistan can import tea and jute from Bangladesh, creating a mutually beneficial trade relationship.

ICCI President Nasir Mansoor Qureshi expressed his belief that both countries’ business and trade sectors could achieve significant progress through economic diplomacy. He also shared plans to visit Bangladesh with a group of potential investors, aiming to establish memoranda of understanding with the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and other key organizations.

Former ICCI presidents Zubair Ahmed Shaikh, Mian Akram Farid, and Mian Shaukat Masood stressed that Bangladesh presents a valuable opportunity to boost bilateral trade, as the economies of the two countries complement each other. They also highlighted areas like joint ventures, technology transfer, and business cooperation as key areas for growth.

The meeting participants were optimistic about the future of trade relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, and they agreed that the launch of direct flights would be a crucial step in strengthening this partnership. Both nations are eager to take advantage of the improved connectivity to further enhance their economic ties.