A historic milestone has been reached in Pakistan-Bangladesh trade relations with the arrival of Pakistan’s first direct cargo ship at Chittagong Port in Bangladesh, signaling a new phase of economic cooperation between the two countries.
Bangladesh, which became independent in 1971 after separating from Pakistan, was formally recognized by Pakistan as a sovereign state in 1974. Despite a strong historical connection, relations between the nations have been strained, particularly during the era of pro-India policies under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which led to a communication gap between the two countries. However, with the recent transition to an interim government backed by a student-led revolution, relations are now beginning to normalize.
The 2300 TAU cargo vessel, which set sail from Karachi, arrived at Chittagong Port a few days ago. The Pakistan High Commission in Bangladesh has praised this development, noting that the new sea trade route will enhance supply chain efficiency, save time, and open up fresh business opportunities for both nations.
Javed Balwani, President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), expressed hope for the restoration of sea trade, especially benefiting Pakistan’s textile and garment sectors. “This is a golden opportunity for Pakistani exporters to introduce their products into the Bangladeshi market. Increased exports will have a positive impact on our foreign exchange reserves,” said Balwani.
Until now, trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh primarily depended on indirect routes through Sri Lanka or Dubai, and air connectivity had been suspended since 2018. Economists believe that reopening this sea corridor could lead to a significant increase in trade volumes, marking a turning point in the bilateral economic relationship between the two countries.
