DHAKA, Jan 12, 2025 (BSS) - A delegation of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), led by its president Atif Ikram Sheikh, met Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin at the Commerce Ministry Conference Room at Bangladesh Secretariat here today.

During the meeting, they discussed in details issues related to bilateral trade between the two countries, simplification of visa procedures, launching of direct flight operations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, and future investment prospects.

The Commerce Adviser said that initiatives have already been taken to make sustainable trade relations with Pakistan, said a Commerce Ministry press release.

Considering the population volume of the two countries, he said that the volume of trade is still very low. "Both the countries have opportunities to increase trade further,"

Bashir emphasized that the Pakistani businessmen need to have more dialogue with Bangladeshi businessmen. He said that exploring possible cooperation between them would benefit both the countries.

President of FPCCI, the apex trade body of Pakistani businessmen, said that Pakistani businessmen want to increase their trade and commerce with Bangladesh.

He cited that due to visa related complications and lack of direct flight operations, the Pakistani businessmen are not being able to increase their trade and commerce with Bangladesh at a desired level.
In this regard, Atif called for taking initiatives to resolve the existing complications.

The Pakistani business delegation expressed their interest to invest in agricultural production and marketing, education, tourism and ceramic sectors in Bangladesh.

Mentioning that the Pakistan government has launched an export facilitation scheme, they said that the Bangladeshi businessmen can invest in Pakistan under this scheme.

They also expressed their interest in organizing a trade expo in Bangladesh.

Pakistan High Commissioner in Dhaka Syed Ahmed Maroof was present at the meeting.
The Pakistani business delegation is now visiting Bangladesh at the invitation of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).