Speaking at a meeting during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Siddique pointed out that Bangladesh and Pakistan have been enjoying strong relations and both countries should enhance economic cooperation and interaction at different levels.
Commenting on the economic performance of Bangladesh, the envoy stated that it has recorded a strong growth rate of more than 6% and is the second largest manufacturer of ready-made garments. Currently, the literacy rate of Bangladesh is around 78%, and efforts are under way to attain maximum by the end of 2015, he added.
Siddique, who has held his deputy high commissioner post since August 2010, termed his stay in Karachi ‘pleasant’ and appreciated the support and cooperation extended by the KCCI.
“I really enjoyed my stay in Karachi and I am personally and emotionally attached to the inhabitants of this amazing city”, he added.
While extending sincere gratitude to the local chamber for its persistent cooperation, the envoy said that some visa applicants might have faced problems but they are striving hard to facilitate timely issuance of business visas to genuine applicants, particularly those being recommended by the KCCI.
He informed the meeting that during his four-and-a-half-year stay, he has never received a complaint pertaining to trade disputes, as they were addressed by businessmen themselves and settlements were made without interference of authority, which is an indicator of strong bonds between the two countries.
He informed that subsidiaries of the two biggest Bangladeshi NGOs – ASA Pakistan Limited and BRAC Pakistan Limited – have been working in microfinance and other social development sectors covering Pakistan’s microcredit.
Earlier, while welcoming the deputy high commissioner, KCCI President Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra said Pakistan and Bangladesh have been enjoying cordial relations and the chamber intends to further this bond which can lead to enhanced trade volumes between the two.
Commenting on the existing trade volume, Vohra pointed out that Pakistan’s exports to Bangladesh stood at $724 million, while imports were $53 million, which requires special attention and must be improved through collective efforts by the business communities of the two countries.
Vohra opined that both Pakistan and Bangladesh have great potential to boost their multi-dimensional relations as there are many sectors that are still unexplored.
“The Free Trade Agreement between the two countries will pave the way for more trade opportunities and help expansion of business between the two countries,” he said.
KCCI Senior Vice President Mohammad Ibrahim Kasumbi stated that the Pakistani business community was keen to enhance two-way trade, which would prove to be beneficial for both the economies.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 20th, 2014.
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