Pakistan seeks closer trade links with Bangladesh during FM Dar’s visit

Dhaka: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar had a breakfast meeting with Bangladesh Adviser for Commerce Sk. Bashir Uddin, that aimed at enhancing bilateral economic ties between two countries.

Minister of Commerce Jam Khamal Khan also joined the meeting. The Adviser Commerce was accompanied by
Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Chairman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority.

Prominent participants included the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Chairman of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, and the Acting Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau.

Also present were the Secretaries of Commerce and Civil Aviation, as well as the Chairman of the National Board of Revenue of Bangladesh.

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The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral trade, enhancing investment opportunities, and expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.

This is a first visit by a Pakistani foreign minister to Bangladesh in 13 years.

The visit follows a significant political shift in Bangladesh after the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Her administration had fostered strong ties with India and maintained a firm stance against Pakistan, shaped by the lingering wounds of the 1971 war.

Mass protests led to her removal, ushering in an interim government headed by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. The new leadership has embraced a “friendship to all” foreign policy, signaling a move to broaden Bangladesh’s international relationships.