Pakistan, Bangladesh to ease food trade

TCP chief says MoU expected soon for rice, lentils, jute, and edible oil

KARACHI:

Pakistan and Bangladesh have agreed at the government level to facilitate trade activities in food items between the two countries, with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) expected to be signed soon.

The decision was made during a meeting at Bangladesh's Ministry of Industries on the occasion of a visit by a Pakistani delegation led by Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) Chairman Asim Azim Siddiqui. The meeting was attended by Bangladesh's Minister for Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Abdul Muqtadir, officials from the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, and other senior representatives.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Siddiqui said Pakistan is interested in exporting rice, lentils, chickpeas, fertilisers, edible oil and other agricultural products to Bangladesh. He added that there is demand in Pakistan for Bangladesh's high-quality jute and jute-based products.

Pakistan also proposed during the meeting to assist Bangladesh in ensuring competitive supplies from international sources in accordance with legal frameworks, according to Siddiqui.

Both sides agreed to accelerate the activities of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Working Group, increase the exchange of trade delegations, and work jointly to broaden cooperation in the agricultural and industrial sectors. Siddiqui noted that the delegation's visit aimed to strengthen bilateral trade, enhance cooperation in food supply, and expand industrial collaboration. Pakistan's High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider, along with other officials, also attended the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, Muqtadir emphasised that strong trade relations are essential for sustainable economic growth in both countries. He said greater coordination between the public and private sectors would create new opportunities for investment and business.

He added that the government is advancing reforms to facilitate trade, accelerate industrialisation, and promote a business-friendly environment, which will help expand bilateral trade.Officials from both sides highlighted the potential to deepen bilateral trade ties. Pakistan possesses surplus agricultural production that meets Bangladesh's growing food needs, including rice, lentils, and edible oil. Bangladesh, in turn, offers competitive jute products that Pakistani industries demand.

The upcoming MoU is expected to remove procedural hurdles and open direct government-backed channels for smoother transactions. Analysts view this development as timely amid global supply chain challenges. Enhanced food trade between the two countries can stabilise prices, ensure food security, and create new revenue streams for exporters on both sides. The joint working group will now focus on identifying tariff reductions, quality standards alignment, and logistics improvements to make trade more efficient.

The agreement signals broader South Asian economic engagement. Both nations aim to move beyond traditional ties and build resilient supply chains in agriculture and light industries. Frequent trade delegations and joint ventures will follow to translate the MoU into tangible gains.

This initiative aligns with Pakistan's efforts to diversify export markets and Bangladesh's push for diversified imports of essential commodities. The MoU signing is expected in the coming weeks, paving the way for increased trade volumes.