ISLAMABAD: In a significant development in bilateral ties, Pakistan and Bangladesh on Monday held the ninth session of their Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in Dhaka — the first such meeting in 20 years.
According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Petroleum Division, both sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in halal trade. The MoU aims to strengthen collaboration on halal product standards and certification.
The meeting was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Minister of Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik and Bangladesh’s Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed.
The statement described the session as a key milestone in strengthening bilateral economic and development cooperation.
During the talks, Pakistan offered Bangladesh the use of the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) for regional trade.
The offer would enable Bangladesh to expand its trade with China, Central Asian states, and other regional markets through Karachi Port.
Both sides also underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation between their national shipping corporations.
Minister Ali Pervez Malik thanked the Bangladeshi government for its hospitality, saying relations between the two countries were rooted in mutual respect and friendship.
The statement added that both countries agreed to expedite work on launching direct flights and to establish a “Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor.” Under the initiative, Pakistan has proposed 500 new fully funded scholarships for Bangladeshi students and increased the number of training slots under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme from five to 25.
The two sides also agreed to deepen collaboration in trade, investment, industry, energy, climate change, and information technology. Cooperation in agriculture, transport and communication, education, banking, health, tourism, information and broadcasting, and textiles was also discussed, with both countries agreeing to promote medical and religious tourism.
The session concluded with the signing of agreed minutes of the ninth Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission meeting.