In a landmark move to strengthen regional connectivity, Pakistan has offered Bangladesh access to the Karachi Port Trust, opening new routes for Dhaka to expand trade with China and Central Asian countries.
The offer was extended during the 9th Pak-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting held in Dhaka, marking the first such high-level engagement in 20 years. The session was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez and Bangladesh’s Finance Advisor, signaling a renewed chapter in bilateral relations.
According to an official statement, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to advancing economic, industrial, and transport cooperation. Pakistan’s offer of Karachi Port access is being viewed as a strategic step to simplify logistics and facilitate regional commerce. It also reflects Islamabad’s growing focus on economic diplomacy and regional trade integration.
Expanding Cooperation Across Key Sectors
The JEC discussions went beyond trade facilitation, laying the groundwork for collaboration across multiple sectors, including:
- Medical and religious tourism
- Investment and industrial development
- Energy and climate change
- Information technology and communications
Both sides also agreed to expedite efforts for launching direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh — a step that could significantly boost business, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
MoU on Halal Certification and Standards
In another milestone, the Pakistan Halal Food Authority (PHFA) and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute (BSTI) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to enhance collaboration in halal certification and quality assurance.
The agreement is expected to help both countries tap into the growing global halal market, which is valued at more than $2 trillion, by standardizing certification systems and promoting exports.
Additionally, both governments reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen ties in agriculture, education, banking, health, textiles, media, and tourism, ensuring broad-based cooperation that benefits citizens of both nations.
Scholarships and Knowledge Exchange
Highlighting Pakistan’s focus on educational and cultural diplomacy, Islamabad proposed establishing a Pak-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor to deepen academic and professional exchanges.
Under this initiative, Pakistan announced 500 new fully funded scholarships for Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education in leading Pakistani universities. The government also increased the number of training seats under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Program from five to twenty-five, marking a step forward in human capital development and cross-border collaboration.
The renewed engagement between Pakistan and Bangladesh underscores the shared potential for economic growth, connectivity, and regional integration. Analysts say that if implemented effectively, the Karachi Port access could redefine South Asia’s trade map, enabling smoother access to markets across China, Central Asia, and the Middle East.