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Private sector will play key role in boosting bilateral trade with Pakistan: DCCI President
High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh Imran Ahmed Siddqui called on DCCI President Rizwan Rahman at DCCI Office on 13 January, 2021.
During the meeting, DCCI President Rizwan Rahman said that the participation of Pakistani entrepreneurs in the recently ended 1st DCCI Business Conclave-2021 was encouraging. He also emphasized on boosting regional trade and investment with an active intervention of SAARC. In the new normal situation, businesses started to expand and Bangladeshi private sector is open for all, he added. In 2019-20 the bilateral trade volume of Bangladesh and Pakistan was USD 543.90 million, he told. In order to make Pakistani entrepreneurs aware of Bangladeshi market, DCCI Business Institute (DBI) can arrange training courses, he proposed. He also said that Pakistan may sign PTA or FTA with Bangladesh to increase trade volume. He also requested the High Commissioner to take initiative of reactivating MOUs signed between DCCI and different Chambers in Pakistan.
High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh Imran Ahmed Siddqui said Bangladesh’s positions in different index are good and Pakistan wants to enhance its bilateral trade with Bangladesh. He said there is a Joint Economic Commission (JEC) between Bangladesh and Pakistan but its last meeting held back in 2005. He urged upon to activate this JEC for mutual benefits of both the countries. Mr. Siddiqui also mentioned that Pakistan is interested to restart direct flight with Dhaka. To boost bilateral trade, he also underscored importance of direct shipment facility from Karachi to Chattogram port. He also said that private sector of both the countries can be benefited in the agriculture and blue economy sector. Pakistan’s fashion industry can be a good opportunity for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, he added. Cultural engagements can be a catalyst for strengthening economic diplomacy, he further mentioned. The Pakistani High Commissioner reiterated that the more Pakistani businessmen will know and interact with Bangladeshi counterparts, the more both-way businesses will happen.
DCCI Senior Vice President N K A Mobin, FCS, FCA and Vice President Monowar Hossain were also present during the meeting.
Published on: 2021-01-13