Pakistan and Bangladesh to strengthen their bilateral relations in various fields including trade, defense production and signing of Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). are ready 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.
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How might defense cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh evolve as a result of the ongoing discussions in the JEC meeting?
**Interview with Dr. Ayesha Khan, South Asian Relations Expert**
*Interviewer:* Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Khan. We’ve heard exciting news about Pakistan and Bangladesh potentially strengthening their bilateral relations in areas such as trade and defense. Could you give us an overview of the upcoming Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting and its significance?
*Dr. Khan:* Thank you for having me. The upcoming JEC meeting is indeed a pivotal moment for Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. Given the historical context, where Bangladesh was part of Pakistan until its independence in 1971, this meeting represents an important step towards enhancing cooperation after decades of fluctuating relations. The agenda is focused on several key areas, including a review of bilateral trade relations and specific requests from Bangladesh for duty-free access to various product categories [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh–Pakistan_relations)].
*Interviewer:* That’s fascinating. Can you elaborate on the specifics of the duty-free access request? What impact might this have on trade between the two countries?
*Dr. Khan:* Certainly! Bangladesh is seeking duty-free access for ten product categories, which encompasses a total of 104 products. This kind of access could significantly boost trade volumes between the two nations, providing Bangladesh with greater market opportunities and helping Pakistan diversify its export markets. The inclusion of such provisions is crucial, especially with the backdrop of recent political changes in Bangladesh, which may influence its economic priorities [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh–Pakistan_relations)].
*Interviewer:* Defense production is another important aspect mentioned in the proposals. Why is this an area of interest for both countries?
*Dr. Khan:* Yes, defense cooperation can serve as a pathway to strengthen bilateral relations significantly. By collaborating in defense production, both countries can enhance their security apparatus and foster a spirit of partnership. There’s a growing realization that mutual economic support can lead to stability in a region that has faced its share of challenges. This collaboration also opens avenues for technological sharing and joint ventures, which could further solidify their relationship [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh–Pakistan_relations)].
*Interviewer:* Lastly, how does the Ministry of External Affairs in Pakistan play a role in this process?
*Dr. Khan:* The Ministry of External Affairs (MOFA) is crucial as it coordinates between various ministries to finalize the agenda for the JEC meeting. Their proactive engagement indicates a commitment to not just explore these proposals but to implement them effectively. This level of organization suggests that both governments recognize the importance of strategic economic ties in fostering peace and development within South Asia [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh–Pakistan_relations)].
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Dr. Khan, for your insights. It seems like a significant period for both countries, and we look forward to seeing how these discussions unfold in the upcoming JEC meeting.
*Dr. Khan:* Thank you! I share your enthusiasm and hope for a fruitful dialog that benefits both nations.