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.
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**Interview with Dr. Shirin Ahmed, South Asia Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ahmed. There’s been significant talk about strengthening relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, particularly concerning trade and investment. Can you give us an overview of what this entails?
**Dr. Ahmed:** Absolutely. The upcoming meeting of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission (JEC) is pivotal. The discussions will revolve around enhancing bilateral relations in several fields, including trade, defense production, and the potential signing of a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). These steps are essential for fostering a more integrated economic partnership between the two nations [[1](https://www.khaama.com/pakistan-bangladesh-relations-positive-development-on-multiple-fronts/)].
**Interviewer:** That sounds promising! What specific areas will be prioritized during the JEC meetings?
**Dr. Ahmed:** The agenda is quite comprehensive. It includes a review of existing trade relations and discussions on how to enhance these measures. A critical point of discussion is Bangladesh’s request for duty-free access to ten product categories, which encompasses a total of 104 products. This request is aimed at boosting trade and offering mutual economic benefits [[1](https://www.khaama.com/pakistan-bangladesh-relations-positive-development-on-multiple-fronts/)].
**Interviewer:** Interesting! Given the political climate in Bangladesh, how do you see that impacting the JEC discussions?
**Dr. Ahmed:** The political changes in Bangladesh have indeed put the JEC in the spotlight. With the Ministry of External Affairs actively collaborating with relevant ministries, there is a renewed focus on solidifying economic ties. The current situation presents both challenges and opportunities, but the overarching goal remains to enhance cooperation for mutual benefit [[1](https://www.khaama.com/pakistan-bangladesh-relations-positive-development-on-multiple-fronts/)].
**Interviewer:** There are reports that sociocultural exchanges between the two countries have been increasing, particularly among the youth. How does this factor into the economic discussions?
**Dr. Ahmed:** Sociocultural exchanges are vital as they lay the groundwork for stronger diplomatic and economic ties. A more engaged youth can foster understanding and goodwill that significantly enhance bilateral relations. This cultural connection often translates into a more favorable environment for trade and investment discussions, showing that personal relations can indeed impact geopolitical and economic strategies [[1](https://www.khaama.com/pakistan-bangladesh-relations-positive-development-on-multiple-fronts/)].
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Ahmed, for sharing your insights on this important topic. It will be interesting to see how these discussions unfold in the coming meeting.
**Dr. Ahmed:** Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing the positive developments that arise from this meeting.
