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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What role does the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) play in the future of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, according to Dr. Khan?
**Interview with Dr. Amina Khan, South Asian Relations Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Khan. Pakistan and Bangladesh are set to strengthen their bilateral relations with an upcoming meeting of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC). What are the key areas of focus for this meeting?
**Dr. Khan:** Thank you for having me. The JEC is indeed a pivotal platform for enhancing Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, especially in light of the recent political changes in Bangladesh. The main areas of focus will include reviewing bilateral trade and exploring opportunities for greater economic cooperation. The agenda highlights discussions on enhancing existing trade relations and considering Bangladesh’s request for duty-free access for a range of products – specifically 10 categories encompassing a total of 104 items. This could significantly boost trade volumes between the two nations.
**Editor:** That’s quite interesting! Can you elaborate on the significance of the proposed Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) and defence production collaboration?
**Dr. Khan:** Certainly. The proposed BIT aims to create a more stable and predictable environment for investors from both countries, which is crucial for long-term economic growth. By fostering an environment where investments can flow freely, both nations can benefit from improved infrastructure, technology transfer, and job creation. As for defence production, collaborating in this area can enhance regional security and promote joint ventures in defence technology, which is increasingly important given the geopolitical dynamics in South Asia.
**Editor:** You mentioned the increasing importance of the JEC in your earlier response. What factors do you think are contributing to this newfound significance?
**Dr. Khan:** The evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly with various political shifts in South Asia, plays a major role. Heightened competition and cooperation among neighboring countries require Pakistan and Bangladesh to revisit and strengthen their ties. The JEC provides a necessary framework to facilitate dialogue and negotiation on economic issues. This is especially vital as both countries look to bolster trade and investment amid global economic uncertainties.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what do you envision for the future of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations following this JEC meeting?
**Dr. Khan:** I foresee a cautious but optimistic outlook. If the JEC can successfully address the proposed initiatives—like trade enhancements and BIT—it could pave the way for a more robust partnership. However, historical complexities cannot be overlooked. Both countries must navigate their past while looking towards a collaborative future. Regular engagements through platforms like the JEC can help build trust and understanding, ultimately leading to sustained cooperation.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Khan, for sharing your insights on this important topic. We look forward to seeing how the JEC meeting unfolds and its impact on bilateral relations.
**Dr. Khan:** Thank you for having me. It will certainly be interesting to watch how these discussions progress.
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