A significant development in Pakistan-Bangladesh trade relations has occurred with the arrival of a Pakistani cargo ship at Chittagong Port in Bangladesh after a long hiatus. The 2300 TAU cargo vessel, which originated from Karachi, marks a milestone for strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
Historically, Pakistan and Bangladesh have had a strained relationship since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, with tensions exacerbated during the era of Hasina Wazid’s pro-India policies. However, following the rise of the interim government supported by the Students Revolution, diplomatic ties are now being normalized.
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The Pakistan High Commission in Bangladesh has hailed the opening of this sea trade corridor, which promises to improve supply chain efficiency, save time, and open new business opportunities for both nations.
Javed Balwani, President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), expressed optimism about the positive impact of this development, particularly for the textile and garment sectors. He sees it as a golden opportunity for Pakistani exporters to enter the Bangladeshi market, which could help improve foreign exchange reserves.
Previously, trade between the two countries relied on indirect routes via Sri Lanka or Dubai, and air connectivity had been suspended since 2018. Economists predict that the reopening of this sea corridor will significantly boost trade volumes, ushering in a new phase in bilateral economic relations.
