DHAKA – Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan held a meeting in Dhaka with Bangladesh’s Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin to discuss ways of enhancing bilateral trade and investment. The talks marked a significant step toward rebuilding economic cooperation between the two countries, which has remained largely stagnant in recent years.
Both sides agreed to reactivate the long-dormant Joint Economic Commission (JEC) and to establish a new Joint Working Group (JWG) that will prepare a roadmap for future collaboration. Officials said the working group will formalize mechanisms to boost trade, remove barriers, and identify priority sectors for cooperation.
During the discussions, emphasis was placed on expanding cooperation in agriculture, renewable energy, steel, shipbuilding, halal products, agro-processing, leather goods, sugar, rice, and dehydrated fruits. The leaders also underlined the need to improve logistics, enhance connectivity, and reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers that hinder bilateral trade.
Bangladesh’s adviser confirmed that a Memorandum of Understanding for the formation of the Joint Working Group will be signed soon, paving the way for deeper institutional engagement. Observers believe the revival of these economic forums could open new opportunities for growth and signal a fresh start in relations between the two South Asian nations.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.