President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today called for further strengthening Bangladesh-Pakistan ties for the mutual benefit of the two countries, particularly in trade and business, investment, air connectivity, education, and training. He highlighted the importance of Pakistan as a partner in various fields and stressed the need to expand trade and economic activities between the nations. The President made these remarks during a meeting with Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider at Bangabhaban. The High Commissioner conveyed congratulations and an invitation from Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari to visit Pakistan, to which President Alamgir responded positively and extended an invitation to President Zardari to visit Bangladesh.
President Alamgir emphasized the need to consolidate relations between businessmen and entrepreneurs of both countries and utilize new trade opportunities. He called for exporting Pakistani products like garments and cotton yarn to Bangladesh and making bilateral trade more balanced. The Pakistani High Commissioner announced a trade fair featuring Pakistani products to be held in Dhaka in October and urged Bangladesh to organize a similar event in Pakistan.
Referring to the recent resumption of direct flight connectivity between Dhaka and Karachi, High Commissioner Haider said the connectivity is playing a positive role in increasing trade and business, medical tourism, and people-to-people contacts. He stressed the need to increase the number of flights further. Praising the quality of Bangladeshi tea, he called for increasing tea exports from Bangladesh to Pakistan by utilizing the existing duty-free facility in the Pakistani market.
President Alamgir reiterated that there are huge scopes for increasing exports to Pakistan of various quality products including ceramic products, betel leaf, and other agricultural products and medicines from Bangladesh. He observed that closer contacts between the relevant authorities and business communities of the two countries are needed to utilize this potential. High Commissioner Haider said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Bangladesh and is working to further increase bilateral trade and business, investment, and mutual cooperation.
The President also called for exchanging training between members of the armed forces and civil administration of the two countries and expanding opportunities for higher education in science, engineering, technology, and medical fields. High Commissioner Haider sought the President's cooperation in discharging his responsibilities in Bangladesh, to which President Alamgir assured his full support in strengthening multifaceted relations with Pakistan. Senior officials from the President's Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Pakistan High Commission were present during the meeting.
Strengthening ties with Pakistan holds significant importance for Bangladesh, as it can lead to enhanced trade, investment, and educational opportunities. Improved bilateral relations can foster economic growth, create job opportunities, and promote cultural exchange between the two nations.
