Bangladesh and Pakistan to Boost Trade Ties After 20 Years

After nearly two decades, Bangladesh and Pakistan have taken a major step toward rebuilding their economic relationship. Both countries pledged to strengthen trade, investment, and cooperation in key sectors, signaling a new era of diplomatic and economic engagement between the two South Asian neighbors.

The two countries held the ninth meeting of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in Dhaka — the first since 2005 — where officials from both sides discussed ways to enhance collaboration in agriculture, energy, banking, tourism, and education. The meeting reflected a shared goal: to revive bilateral ties and create new opportunities for growth and stability.

According to a statement from Dhaka’s Economic Relations Division, the meeting aimed to “elevate economic and trade relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan to a new strategic level.” The talks were co-chaired by Bangladesh’s Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed and Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, who emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation in rebuilding regional partnerships.

The renewed dialogue comes more than fifty years after the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, which led to Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan. Political differences and historical tensions have long kept relations cool, but the changing regional landscape — especially after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government — has opened space for a diplomatic reset.

Under the new interim leadership of Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh is exploring broader economic partnerships beyond its traditional ally, India. Pakistan, on the other hand, sees growing cooperation with Bangladesh as a chance to diversify its trade routes and expand regional economic influence.

Earlier this year, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited Dhaka and met with several top officials, including Yunus. The two countries agreed to lift visa restrictions for diplomats and government officials, a move seen as a symbolic step toward building long-term trust.

Experts say the resumption of the Bangladesh-Pakistan Joint Economic Commission could pave the way for increased trade volumes, cross-border investments, and collaboration in renewable energy and education sectors. The meeting also underscored both nations’ willingness to separate economic priorities from political disputes and focus on practical cooperation.

As Bangladesh and Pakistan work to rebuild their economic partnership, the renewed talks could mark the beginning of a fresh chapter in South Asian diplomacy — one driven by shared interests, economic opportunity, and a vision for stronger regional integration.