Pakistan and Bangladesh are ready to strengthen their bilateral relations in various fields including trade, defense production and signing of Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). Informed sources have indicated that these proposals will be reviewed in the upcoming meeting of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission (JEC).
According to a Business Recorder report, the importance of JEC has increased in the light of recent political changes in Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MOFA) is currently working closely with the concerned ministries to finalize the agenda for the next meeting of the JEC.
Main points of the agenda
The following issues will be discussed during the JEC.
Bilateral Trade Overview: Review of existing trade relations and enhancement measures.
Duty Free Access: Bangladesh’s request for duty-free access to 10 product categories, covering a total of 104 products.
Free Trade Agreement: Negotiations on Bilateral FAT
Business diversity: Finding ways to diversify trade between the two countries.
Technical Cooperation in Textiles: Enhancing cooperation in the textile sector.
SME Sector Support: To promote cooperation between small and medium enterprises of the two countries.
Joint Business Council: Reactivation of the Joint Business Council to facilitate business relations.
Regular exchange of trade delegations: Establish a forum for trade delegations to enhance direct interaction and provide other resources for discussion.
This upcoming JEC meeting will provide an important opportunity for both countries to strengthen their economic ties and explore new avenues for cooperation.
Bangladesh proposes nuclear arms deal with Pakistan
According to the sources, the High Commissioner of Pakistan in Dhaka has highlighted the goodwill with the current government of Bangladesh.
According to sources, in view of this favorable environment, the High Commissioner emphasized the need to convene the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) at the earliest. He has held discussions with the adviser and commerce secretary in Bangladesh and stressed the importance of speeding up the process.
The first official statement of the government of Pakistan on the situation in Bangladesh came out
Bangladesh is currently negotiating concrete dates and an agenda for the JEC, which is expected to be held in Dhaka in late December or early January.
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In your opinion, how might the proposed Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) influence foreign investment dynamics between Pakistan and Bangladesh?
**Interview with Dr. Aisha Rahman, South Asia Relations Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rahman. There seems to be a renewed effort between Pakistan and Bangladesh to strengthen their bilateral relations. Could you provide some insight into the upcoming meetings of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC)?
**Dr. Rahman:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the upcoming JEC meeting represents a significant opportunity for both countries. The focus will be on enhancing trade relationships, defense production collaboration, and the signing of a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). Given the recent political shifts in Bangladesh, as reported, both nations are motivated to recalibrate their economic ties, ensuring mutual benefits [[1](https://www.eurasiareview.com/31122023-pakistan-bangladesh-relations-a-journey-of-ebb-and-flow-oped/)].
**Editor:** Could you elaborate on the key agenda items that will be discussed during this JEC meeting?
**Dr. Rahman:** Certainly! One of the main points will be a comprehensive review of existing bilateral trade relations. Both countries will explore enhancement measures to maximize trade potential. Another critical agenda item is Bangladesh’s request for duty-free access for a specific set of products. They are seeking this for 10 categories, which encompass a total of 104 products. This could significantly affect the trade balance between the two nations [[1](https://www.eurasiareview.com/31122023-pakistan-bangladesh-relations-a-journey-of-ebb-and-flow-oped/)].
**Editor:** How do you see the potential impact of these developments on the regional economic landscape?
**Dr. Rahman:** Strengthening trade ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh could serve as a stabilizing factor in South Asia. Increased economic cooperation can enhance regional trade networks, which may encourage further collaborations with neighboring countries. Furthermore, a successful BIT could attract foreign investment by providing a safer environment for investors, thereby fostering economic growth in both countries. It’s essential for both governments to maintain open lines of communication to facilitate these changes effectively [[1](https://www.eurasiareview.com/31122023-pakistan-bangladesh-relations-a-journey-of-ebb-and-flow-oped/)].
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Rahman, for your valuable insights. It will be interesting to see how these discussions unfold at the JEC and what impact they may have on Pakistan-Bangladesh relations.
**Dr. Rahman:** Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how these developments will shape the future for both nations.
