The ninth session of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission (JEC) was convened in Dhaka on Monday after a hiatus of 20 years, marking another important milestone in strengthening bilateral economic and development cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting was co-chaired by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Bangladesh Finance Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed.
At the conclusion of the session, both sides signed the Agreed Minutes of the 9th JEC, which reflects “significant progress” in multiple areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment and industries, agriculture, transportation and communications, education, information technology, banking, health, tourism, energy, climate change, information and broadcasting, and the textile sector.
The two sides stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation between national shipping corporations, with Pakistan offering the use of the Karachi Port Trust as a gateway for Bangladesh’s trade with countries in the region, including China and Central Asian States.
The two countries also agreed to actively work to establish direct air connectivity, recognizing its vital role in promoting tourism and trade exchanges.
A significant development during the session was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Halal Trade between the Halal Authority of Pakistan and the Bangladesh Institute of Standards and Testing, paving the way for further collaboration in standardization and certification of Halal products.
Pakistan also highlighted the establishment of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor, which includes an offer of 500 new, fully funded scholarships for Bangladeshi students.
Furthermore, the delegation said that Pakistan has increased the number of training places under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Program from five to 25.
Both sides agreed to cooperate in the areas of medical and religious tourism and promote greater cultural exchanges between the two countries.
It was decided to organize the inaugural meeting of the Joint Working Group on Trade. Also discussed was the establishment of joint working groups in key sectors such as maritime affairs and information technology, which will hold regular meetings to ensure sustained progress.
The two sides agreed to explore a concessional trade agreement and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade, agricultural and industrial cooperation to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in both countries.
The ninth JEC concluded in a “spirit of friendship and mutual respect, reaffirming the shared commitment of Pakistan and Bangladesh to further deepen bilateral relations and regional economic integration.”
Malik thanked the government of Bangladesh and the financial advisor for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit.
