Pakistan and Bangladesh have revived their long-stalled economic partnership after two decades, marking a major step toward renewed bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and connectivity.
The development came during the 9th Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting held in Dhaka — the first since 2005 — co-chaired by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Bangladesh’s Adviser for Finance Dr Salehuddin.
Both sides signed the Agreed Minutes of the JEC, which outlined wide-ranging collaboration in trade, energy, industry, agriculture, education, health, tourism, IT, and climate change.
A key highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Halal Trade Cooperation between the Pakistan Halal Authority and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute, paving the way for joint certification and enhanced Halal exports to global markets.
In a bid to boost regional connectivity, Pakistan proposed the use of Karachi Port Trust (KPT) as a trade hub for Bangladesh’s commerce with China and Central Asian countries. Both nations also agreed to establish direct air connectivity to strengthen tourism and business ties.
To deepen educational and technical cooperation, Pakistan announced a Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor, offering 500 fully funded scholarships for Bangladeshi students and expanding technical training slots under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme from five to 25.
The two sides also decided to enhance collaboration in medical and religious tourism, cultural exchanges, and maritime affairs. Joint Working Groups will be formed on trade, information technology, and other sectors to ensure consistent follow-up.
Concluding the meeting, Federal Minister Malik thanked the Bangladeshi government for its hospitality and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, expressing hope that this renewed engagement would usher in a new era of regional economic cooperation and stability.
