Pakistan, Bangladesh to strengthen trade and investment ties

Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Ihsaan Afzal Khan, wrapped up a visit to Bangladesh on Saturday, during which he engaged in high-level discussions with business chambers, financial institutions, and industry leaders to enhance bilateral trade and investment.

During a networking session organized by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Ihsaan met DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed and board members. Talks centered on unlocking opportunities in pharmaceuticals, automotive, and minerals, with both sides stressing the need for a comprehensive business environment and follow-up on initiatives launched during the visit of Pakistan’s Commerce Minister.

At a dinner hosted by Chargé d’Affaires Muhammad Wasif at the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, Ihsaan Afzal engaged with senior representatives from various trade bodies, including the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association. Discussions focused on fostering trade and investment cooperation and strengthening private-sector linkages.

Ihsaan also visited the National Bank of Pakistan’s Dhaka branch, where he explored opportunities for collaboration in the banking sector with Country Director Mohammad Quamruzzaman and Deputy General Manager Jawad Raza Naqvi. Additionally, he visited Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.’s Dhamrai facility to assess potential areas of collaboration between Bangladeshi and Pakistani pharmaceutical companies.

The visit concluded with Ihsaan attending the certificate distribution ceremony of the Made in Pakistan Exhibition, where he commended exhibitors and the Pakistan Association of Exhibition Industry for their efforts. He also invited Bangladeshi participants to the upcoming Food and Agriculture Exhibition in Karachi.

Ihsaan’s trip reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening economic partnerships with Bangladesh, particularly through trade, investment, and sectoral collaboration.