Bangladesh and Pakistan have expressed strong commitment to elevating bilateral economic, trade, and investment cooperation to a new strategic level
The commitment came during the 9th meeting of the Bangladesh-Pakistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC) held in Dhaka on Monday, according to release.
The meeting was conducted in a cordial and constructive atmosphere.The Bangladesh delegation was led by Bangladesh’s Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, while the Pakistan delegation was headed by Pakistan’s Energy Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik.
The meeting has a historic significance as it was held after almost two decades since the last meeting in 2005. The resumption of the JEC reflects the strong commitment of both countries to revitalise and deepen their economic partnership.
Recent high-level engagements between the two countries have been highlighted in this meeting.
These efforts have contributed in creating positive momentum and a conducive environment for translating political goodwill into tangible economic outcomes.
The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, energy, research &higher education, banking, tourism, sports, and climate change.
Both parties emphasised the considerable untapped potential for greater collaboration in trade and investment. Both sides expressed interest in enhancing connectivity through the establishment of direct shipping links, expansion of air services, and increased utilization of ports and logistics to reduce costs and improve efficiency in bilateral and regional trade.
On the side line of the meeting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in Halal Trade between the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute (BSTI) and the Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA).
Maqsura Noor, Additional Secretary, at the Ministry of Industries of Bangladesh and Imran Haider, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective governments.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening bilateral relations in the days ahead. It was mutually agreed that the tenth (10th) Meeting of the Joint Economic Commission will be held in Islamabad at a time convenient to both parties.