Pakistan and Bangladesh Hold 9th Joint Economic Commission Meeting After 20 Years

Islamabad – A significant milestone in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations was achieved as the 9th Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting was held in Dhaka after a gap of 20 years. The meeting is being hailed as a key step toward strengthening bilateral economic and developmental cooperation between the two countries.

The session was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Bangladesh’s Advisor to the Finance Ministry Dr. Salahuddin Ahmed.

According to the joint statement, Pakistan offered Bangladesh access to the Karachi Port Trust, enabling Bangladeshi trade with China, Central Asia, and other regional countries via Karachi Port. The importance of enhancing cooperation between the national shipping corporations of both countries was also highlighted.

The two sides agreed to expedite efforts to start direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Pakistan Halaal Authority and Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute to promote cooperation in halal trade, including standards and certification of halal products.

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The meeting also emphasized the establishment of a Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor, which includes a proposal for 500 fully-funded scholarships for Bangladeshi students in Pakistan. Under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Program, training seats have been increased from 5 to 25.

Both countries agreed to expand collaboration in trade, investment, industry, energy, climate change, and information technology. Cooperation will also extend to agriculture, transport and communications, education, banking, health, tourism, media, and the textile sector. Medical and religious tourism were also identified as areas for collaboration.

Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik expressed gratitude for Bangladesh’s hospitality and stated that relations between the two nations are based on mutual respect and friendship. The meeting concluded with both countries signing the agreed minutes of the 9th Joint Economic Commission meeting.