Islamabad, January 19, 2025– The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) announced on Sunday that it will send two trade delegations to Bangladesh on January 19 and 20 to strengthen bilateral economic relations and foster business collaboration as ties between the two nations continue to improve.
Pakistan and Bangladesh, once united as one country, separated in 1971 following a civil war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. Over the decades, relations remained strained, with Bangladesh maintaining close ties with India, particularly under former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. However, since Hasina’s ouster following a student-led uprising in August 2024, relations have significantly improved.
The TDAP revealed that the delegations will focus on promoting trade in dates and citrus between the two countries.
“The first delegation of dates, comprising 13 exporters, will embark on a week-long visit on January 19, while the second delegation focusing on citrus will leave for business-to-business (B2B) meetings on January 20,” the TDAP said in a statement.
The aim of these delegations is to explore new trade opportunities, strengthen business partnerships, and showcase Pakistan’s export potential in the Bangladeshi market.
TDAP Chief Executive Muhammad Zubair Motiwala highlighted plans for a trade exhibition in Bangladesh, providing Pakistani entrepreneurs a platform to display their products.
“Pakistan is already one of the top ten importers of Bangladeshi goods, covering sectors like textiles, agriculture, food, chemicals, and basic metals. However, there is still significant potential to expand these imports,” Motiwala said.
He also mentioned that discussions for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), ongoing since 2002, could further open avenues for enhanced trade and economic collaboration between the two countries.
The announcement follows the recent signing of a landmark agreement to establish a joint business council between Pakistan and Bangladeshi businesspersons.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Dhaka in early February to consolidate and build on the progress made in strengthening bilateral ties.
