Bangladesh trade 'several billion' short of potential

Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh stands at around $1 billion against a potential worth several billion dollars, Bangladesh High Commissioner Md Iqbal Hussain Khan said, calling for stronger cooperation, improved connectivity, the removal of trade barriers and closer engagement between the business communities to unlock it.

Speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he identified agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering, food processing, chemicals, minerals, education, healthcare and tourism as promising areas of collaboration, according to a statement on Friday. Honorary Consul of Bangladesh Qazi Humayun Fareed also attended.

He said Bangladeshi imports could expand in maize, rice and basmati rice, textile raw materials, chemicals, minerals and manufactured goods, along with sugar, wheat, cereals and spices. Bangladeshi pineapples had begun reaching Pakistan after clearances, and seasonal fruits, agricultural products and jaggery could further expand trade.

He called for easier business visas, improved e-visa procedures and stronger direct air connectivity, noting Pakistan could serve as a gateway to Central Asia while Bangladesh offered access to Southeast Asia. More than 100 Bangladeshi students study at private universities in Pakistan, and he identified opportunities in scholarships, medical tourism and tourism.

LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar proposed a dedicated Bangladesh trade cell under the senior vice president to coordinate bilateral business activities, suggesting the identification of five priority export sectors, a link with a leading chamber in Dhaka or Chittagong and two to three virtual business-to-business meetings, followed by sector-specific meetings, trade delegations and reciprocal business visits.

He invited Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to explore partnerships in Lahore and said both countries must move beyond discussions and adopt a result-oriented strategy with measurable results.

Senior Vice President Sardar Usman Ghani called for reversing the downward trend in bilateral trade and raising it to at least $2 billion, citing pharmaceuticals, textiles, textile machinery, rice, cement, agriculture, food processing, information technology, engineering, light manufacturing and services.

He urged joint ventures and investment partnerships alongside improvements in shipping, customs procedures, documentation and the exchange of market intelligence.