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: Reactivating 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 a 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.
#PakBangladesh #relations #entered #era #ouster #proIndia #Sheikh #Hasina #Pakistan
**Interview on Strengthening Pakistan-Bangladesh Bilateral Relations**
**Interview on Strengthening Pakistan-Bangladesh Bilateral Relations**
**Host:** Good evening, and welcome to our program. Today, we have with us a notable expert on South Asian relations, Dr. Ayesha Khan, to discuss the significant developments in the diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Khan.
**Dr. Ayesha Khan:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Recently, we’ve seen indications that Pakistan and Bangladesh are moving towards strengthening their bilateral relations, particularly focusing on trade, defense production, and the signing of a Bilateral Investment Treaty. Can you shed some light on why this is happening now?
**Dr. Ayesha Khan:** Absolutely. The timing can be seen as strategic, particularly in light of recent political changes in Bangladesh. The Joint Economic Commission (JEC) is poised to review crucial proposals in their next meeting, which highlights the urgency and importance of reassessing their economic ties. The enhanced cooperation has the potential to unlock significant economic opportunities for both nations, especially in trade and investment sectors.
**Host:** You mentioned the Joint Economic Commission. What specific topics will be on the agenda for discussion in the upcoming meeting?
**Dr. Ayesha Khan:** The agenda appears broad but focused. Key points include a comprehensive overview of bilateral trade relations, which will involve evaluating existing trade frameworks and identifying measures to enhance them. One particularly noteworthy point is Bangladesh’s request for duty-free access to 10 product categories, which encompasses a total of 104 products. This could significantly boost trade volume between the two countries [[1](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2496460/major-shift-in-pak-bd-ties-on-horizon)].
**Host:** That sounds promising. How do you think these discussions will impact the relationship between the two countries in the long term?
**Dr. Ayesha Khan:** Strengthening economic ties could lead to a more stable and cooperative relationship overall. Historically, Pakistan and Bangladesh have had a complex relationship due to various political and historical factors. However, focusing on economic collaboration might pave the way for enhanced political ties and mutual understanding. By aligning their interests in trade and investment, both countries could address broader regional challenges together, which is crucial in the current geopolitical landscape.
**Host:** What challenges do you foresee in this process of strengthening bilateral relations?
**Dr. Ayesha Khan:** While there is optimism, challenges remain. Political will from both sides is necessary to translate these discussions into concrete actions. There might also be domestic economic policies that could hinder free trade agreements. Moreover, external geopolitical factors, such as relations with other neighboring countries and global economic trends, could also influence this bilateral cooperation.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Khan, for sharing your insights. It’s certainly an exciting time for Pakistan and Bangladesh as they explore new avenues for cooperation.
**Dr. Ayesha Khan:** Thank you for having me. I look forward to continued developments in this relationship.
**Host:** And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. We’ll keep you updated on any progress in the Pakistan-Bangladesh relations in future broadcasts. Good night!
