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 report by the Business Recorder, JEC’s importance has increased in light of the 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 requests 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.
#PakBangladesh #relations #entered #era #ouster #proIndia #Sheikh #Hasina #Pakistan
How can the historical tensions between Pakistan and Bangladesh impact their current efforts to strengthen bilateral relations?
**Interview with Dr. Sofia Ahmed, Political Analyst and South Asian Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ahmed. There are recent reports that Pakistan and Bangladesh are set to strengthen their bilateral relations across various sectors, including trade and defense. Can you elaborate on the significance of this development?
**Dr. Ahmed:** Thank you for having me. The strengthening of relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh is indeed a crucial development, especially given their shared history. The upcoming meeting of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission (JEC) serves as a pivotal platform for discussions on trade enhancement and collaboration in defense production, as well as economic treaties like the proposed Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).
**Interviewer:** That sounds promising. What specific topics will be on the agenda for the JEC meeting?
**Dr. Ahmed:** The agenda will include a comprehensive overview of bilateral trade, including a review of existing trade relations and exploration of new enhancement measures. Another critical discussion point will be Bangladesh’s request for duty-free access for certain product categories. They are seeking this for 10 specific categories, impacting a total of 104 products, which could significantly boost trade between the nations.
**Interviewer:** Given the recent political changes in Bangladesh, how might these affect the JEC discussions?
**Dr. Ahmed:** Recent political changes, such as shifts in governance and economic policy in Bangladesh, have indeed increased the importance of the JEC. The Ministry of External Affairs in Pakistan is reportedly working closely with relevant ministries to ensure a robust agenda is prepared. This responsiveness indicates a commitment to overcoming past tensions and moving towards mutually beneficial economic partnerships.
**Interviewer:** How critical is trading partnership in the context of South Asian economic dynamics?
**Dr. Ahmed:** A solid trading partnership is essential not only for Pakistan and Bangladesh but also for broader South Asian economic integration. Strengthening trade ties can lead to more stability and prosperity in a region that has faced many challenges. Enhanced cooperation could encourage investments and facilitate developmental projects benefiting both nations.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Ahmed, for your insights. It will be interesting to see how these developments unfold in the upcoming JEC meeting.
**Dr. Ahmed:** My pleasure! I look forward to seeing the outcomes as both countries aim for a constructive future together.