DHAKA: Pakistan has proposed granting Bangladesh access to Karachi Port to facilitate its trade with China and the Central Asian states.
The offer was made during the 9th Session of the Pak-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission (JEC) held in Dhaka.
The meeting was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik, and Bangladesh’s Adviser on Finance Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. It marked a renewed momentum in bilateral economic and development collaboration between the two countries.
During the session, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation between their national shipping corporations and to accelerate efforts for starting direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
They also decided to establish a Pak-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor, which includes 500 fully funded scholarships for Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education in Pakistan. Pakistan further announced an increase in the number of training seats under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Program from five to twenty-five.
The two countries expressed commitment to expand cooperation in diverse sectors, including trade, investment, energy, climate change, information technology, agriculture, transport, education, health, tourism, textiles, medical and religious tourism, and information and broadcasting.
In addition, the Pakistan Halal Authority and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration in halal trade, certification, and quality standards.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Ali Pervez Malik emphasized that Pakistan and Bangladesh share a relationship rooted in mutual respect, friendship, and shared aspirations for regional prosperity.
The meeting concluded with the signing of the agreed minutes, reaffirming both nations’ commitment to further deepen economic and developmental cooperation.
