The interim government in Bangladesh has simplified the visa process for Pakistanis to strengthen trade and economic relations between the two countries. Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain, shared this at a meeting with the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Saturday.
The present government has removed the need for clearance from Dhaka for Pakistani heads of missions while issuing visas, he explained.
Hussain emphasised the importance of increasing trade and investment, which must be a top priority for both nations moving forward.
Hussain highlighted that the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus, is keen to improve relations with Pakistan, which have seen strained ties over the past decade.
“Bangladesh, with its population of 180 million, offers a significant consumer market that Pakistan can tap into,” Hussain stated.
The diplomat stressed that the trade potential between the two countries remains largely untapped, offering Pakistan opportunities for growth.
Hussain also discussed efforts for regional cooperation and called for greater collaboration between South Asian nations. He highlighted the importance of revitalising the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to boost regional trade and cooperation.
Despite global efforts towards regional cooperation, South Asia continues to face challenges that require collective efforts to overcome.
The High Commissioner emphasised the necessity for both countries to create opportunities for future generations and to remove obstacles to mutual trade and cooperation.
Reflecting on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Hussain stated, “It is essential to recognise that nations must collaborate in times of crisis to keep trade flowing smoothly.”
LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad noted that two-way trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh amounted to USD 718 million during the fiscal year 2023-24.
