Dhaka: Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin today expressed optimism that the Pakistan-Bangladesh Business Forum would significantly contribute to strengthening bilateral trade relations and boosting economic cooperation between the two countries. The adviser was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the forum held at a hotel in the city.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Commerce Adviser emphasized the forum’s potential as a platform for establishing connections among business entities and trade bodies, thereby enhancing trade and investment opportunities. He also underscored the importance of strengthening people-to-people contacts between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Despite both countries having large populations, Bashir noted that the current trade volume is not at the desired level and urged businessmen from both nations to actively pursue achieving their trade goals. He highlighted the necessity of addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers and suggested working towards rationalizing these constraints.
In a move to fortify bilateral trade, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA). The MoU was signed by Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice-Chairman and BGMEA Administrator Md Anwar Hossain and PRGMEA Vice-Chairman Amir Reaz Chhottani.
Present at the event were Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Syed Ahmed Maroof, FBCCI Administrator Md Hafizur Rahman, and BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, among others. The forum attracted leading textile producers and key industry stakeholders from both countries, highlighting the growing collaboration in the textile sector.
Representatives from Messe Frankfurt, a prominent trade fair organizer, also participated. Omer Salahuddin, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Bangladesh, expressed his commitment to facilitating cross-border trade opportunities, noting the long-standing presence of their offices in Karachi and Dhaka. With over 40 textile shows, Messe Frankfurt aims to connect Pakistani and Bangladeshi businessmen, aligning with their motto, ‘We make markets, Worldwide.’
The forum provided an opportunity for dialogue, networking, and exploring new business synergies between Pakistan and Bangladesh.