Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan M.D. Iqbal Hussain Khan called for expanding air and maritime connectivity between Pakistan and Bangladesh. During a meeting with Arif Ehsan Malik, President of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), the diplomat noted that bilateral relations have improved over the last two years.
Khan stressed the necessity of introducing direct air services between Dhaka and Lahore to facilitate commerce. The High Commissioner stated that improved transport links and a diversification of traded goods could substantially increase the existing $1 billion trade volume.
Bangladesh currently imports rice and maize from Pakistan without any restrictions on quantities, while the High Commissioner suggested Pakistan explore importing pineapples and jute from Bangladesh. Khan added that Bangladesh is interested in importing a wider range of Pakistani products beyond textiles, specifically expressing interest in Pakistani organic cosmetics.
Malik noted that the Faisalabad chamber represents more than 22,000 members. The city's 8,400-acre industrial estate offers considerable capacity for establishing modern industrial units.
Malik highlighted that Bangladesh’s textile exports have reached $40 billion. The Punjab governor declared Faisalabad the country’s first circular city, where approximately 65 percent of Pakistan’s textile waste is currently recycled.
