Highlights
- Pakistan invites Bangladesh to use Karachi Port for trade with China
- Proposal to be discussed at Bangladesh-Pakistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting on Oct 27 in Dhaka
- MoU planned between Bangladesh Shipping Corporation and Pakistan National Shipping Corporation
- First direct cargo ship between Karachi and Chattogram sailed last year after five decades
- Meeting expected to address trade imbalance and explore new cooperation areas
Pakistan’s Proposal to Use Karachi Port
Pakistan has proposed that Bangladesh use the Port of Karachi, managed by the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), for trade with China. Islamabad believes this move could open a new maritime route and strengthen regional connectivity between South and East Asia.
The proposal will be discussed during the Bangladesh-Pakistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting, scheduled to take place in Dhaka on 27 October 2025 — the first such meeting in nearly 20 years.
“কম খরচে কীভাবে আনবেন বড় রিটার্ন—শিখুন বাস্তব অভিজ্ঞতা থেকে“
Maritime Cooperation and MoU Planned
According to the Economic Relations Division (ERD), the JEC session will also review a proposed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) and the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) to enhance direct maritime trade links.
Officials say Pakistan’s offer to use the Karachi Port is particularly significant in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as it could ease the movement of goods between Bangladesh and China via Karachi.
Strengthening Direct Trade Routes
Pakistan aims to formalize cooperation between the two state-owned shipping corporations to make trade more direct, regular, and reliable, reducing dependence on third-country ports.
This development follows the arrival of the first direct cargo vessel from Karachi to Chattogram in November 2024, marking the first direct maritime contact between the two nations in over five decades.
Following this, Islamabad expressed interest in forming a joint working group on maritime cooperation.
“আপনার ব্যবসা এখন অনলাইনে— Storola-এর সাথে সহজ ও স্মার্টভাবে!”
First JEC Meeting in Two Decades
The upcoming JEC meeting in Dhaka will be the ninth session, the last one being held on 12 September 2005.
A preparatory meeting, chaired by ERD Additional Secretary Mirana Mahrukh, was held on 29 September 2025 to finalize the discussion agenda.
Bangladesh’s delegation will be led by Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, while Ahad Khan Cheema, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, will head the Pakistani side.
Trade Imbalance Between Bangladesh and Pakistan
Reducing the trade gap between the two countries will be a key topic.
During the 2023–24 fiscal year, Pakistan exported goods worth $661 million to Bangladesh, while Bangladesh’s exports to Pakistan totaled only $57 million, creating a major deficit for Dhaka.
Bangladesh’s commerce ministry is identifying potential products for export to Pakistan, which will be discussed at the JEC meeting.
Pakistan’s main exports to Bangladesh include cotton, yarn, chemicals, steel, and pharmaceuticals, while Bangladesh exports jute products, garments, ceramics, leather goods, and medicines.
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Expert View: A New Trade Opportunity
Dr M Masrur Reaz, chairman and CEO of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, described the proposal as “a new opportunity for trade expansion between Bangladesh and Pakistan.”
He said,
“After nearly 15 years of political limitations, relations between the two countries are improving, creating a favourable environment for trade.”
Dr Reaz noted that while Pakistan is one of South Asia’s largest economies, Bangladesh’s exports to the country remain limited. He believes a direct shipping line via Karachi Port could boost Bangladesh’s exports, especially in ready-made garments, leather, footwear, agro-processed goods, and digital services.
He added that resuming visa and air connectivity has already helped tourism and business ties recover.
“Pakistan, as one of South Asia’s major economies, represents a vital market for Bangladesh’s export diversification,” he said.
Key Issues Expected at JEC Meeting
According to ERD sources, several cooperation proposals are likely to be discussed at the upcoming meeting, including:
- MoU between Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA) and Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI)
- Technical assistance for developing Bangladesh’s sugar industry
- Pakistan’s participation in international tenders for printing security materials
- Banking sector training and collaboration in vaccine research and health innovation
- Cooperation on livestock breeding and import of high-quality cattle semen
- Pakistan’s interest in adopting Bangladesh’s family planning model
- Offer to assist in digital ID and passport digitisation
- Proposal for 500 scholarships for Bangladeshi students
- Plan to open a Pakistani university campus in Bangladesh
- Joint efforts in disaster management and data sharing on vehicle safety
Source: TBS
