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After nearly two decades, Pakistan and Bangladesh have reignited their long-stalled economic partnership, pledging to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and regional connectivity. The 9th session of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission (JEC) was held in Dhaka, marking a milestone in restoring bilateral engagement that had been on hold since 2005. High-level meeting marks renewed engagement The meeting was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Bangladesh’s Adviser for Finance, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. Both sides signed the Agreed Minutes of the JEC, reflecting wide-ranging progress across multiple sectors including energy, industry, agriculture, IT, tourism, health, climate change, and education. A key highlight of the session was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Halal Trade Cooperation between the Pakistan Halal Authority and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute. The MoU aims to promote certification and export of halal products, opening access to lucrative global markets for both countries. Strengthening trade and transport connectivity To strengthen regional trade routes, Pakistan offered Bangladesh access to the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) as a gateway for its commerce with China and Central Asian nations. Both nations also agreed to work towards establishing direct air connectivity, a step seen as vital for promoting business and tourism. In education and human development, Pakistan announced the launch of a Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor, offering 500 fully funded scholarships to Bangladeshi students, including 125 for medical education. Additionally, Pakistan expanded its Technical Assistance Programme training slots from five to 25, signaling a deeper commitment to skills development and institutional cooperation. The two countries further agreed to enhance collaboration in medical and religious tourism, and to promote cultural exchanges for stronger people-to-people ties. Both sides also decided to create Joint Working Groups on trade, maritime affairs, and information technology to ensure structured and ongoing engagement. Future trade collaboration and regional vision A Joint Working Group on Trade will soon meet to explore a concessionary trade arrangement and new mechanisms for boosting bilateral commerce. The JEC session concluded in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect, reaffirming Pakistan and Bangladesh’s shared vision for deeper regional integration and sustainable economic growth. Minister Malik expressed gratitude to the Government of Bangladesh for its warm hospitality and stressed that the revival of economic dialogue would pave the way for a “new era” of cooperation between the two South Asian partners.
