Pak-Bangladesh flights to start in Dec

Bangladesh High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan has announced that Mahan Air is likely to start three weekly flights between Karachi and Dhaka from next month, which will be a major step towards promoting trade and result in a significant leap in strengthening connectivity.

Speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), the high commissioner said that visa process had been simplified as visas were being issued on the joint recommendation of LCCI and the Bangladesh Honorary Consulate in Lahore. "Visas will be issued to members within three to four days, making travel between the two countries faster and easier," he said.

Highlighting trade opportunities, the envoy proposed that Pakistan could export rice to Bangladesh, while Bangladesh could supply fresh pineapples. He also pointed to the significant trade potential for textiles and readymade garments.

He mentioned that a direct cargo shipping service would soon be launched. While a cargo service between the two countries has been operational since last December, rising trade demand now requires a dedicated direct cargo route.

In the education sector, the high commissioner encouraged both countries to collaborate. The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan will soon send a delegation to Bangladesh, comprising representatives from 12 universities, with the aim of attracting more Bangladeshi students to study in Pakistan. He also highlighted Pakistan's tourism sector as an area with considerable potential and outlined the shared culture, history and values of the two nations, describing them as closely connected and united as one community.

Speaking at the meeting, LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol shed light on the historical and cultural ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, saying that the two countries share a common heritage.

He emphasised that Pakistan could increase rice exports to Bangladesh and seek its guidance in the garments sector. He noted that both nations had opportunities to collaborate in IT, automobile and other industries.

Currently, bilateral trade stands at approximately $700 million, but there is potential to increase it to $3 billion over the next few years. Saigol added that direct flights would further enhance trade relations and LCCI would provide full support to the Bangladesh High Commission in that regard. The chamber president responded positively when the high commissioner invited him to lead a delegation to Bangladesh and stated that a delegation would visit Dhaka soon.