High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan Muhammad Iqbal Hussain Khan on Thursday said Bangladesh viewed Pakistan as a gateway to Central Asia, China and western markets, expressing optimism that bilateral trade between the two countries could expand manifold in the coming years.
Talking to APP, the High Commissioner said the two countries shared a common history and strong people-to-people ties, adding that both nations desired closer relations. “We have a common history of living together. People of both countries love each other and expect closer relations,” he remarked.
The Ambassador said enhancing people-to-people contacts and boosting bilateral trade were among the top priorities of his diplomatic mission.
Highlighting trade potential, he noted that Pakistan possessed abundant mineral resources, including marble, granite and coal, besides agricultural produce such as rice and sugar, which were in high demand in Bangladesh.
On the other hand, he said, Bangladesh exported quality engineering products, ready-made garments and fruits, including pineapples.
He added that through Pakistan, Bangladesh could gain improved access to China, Tajikistan and other Central Asian states as well as western markets.
The envoy expressed confidence that sustained cooperation could raise bilateral trade volume to around $5 billion, noting that there was growing enthusiasm on both sides to enhance commercial ties.
He said Pakistan’s textile industry was highly developed and its fabrics were popular in Bangladesh. “Our brothers and sisters in Bangladesh love Pakistani fabrics. Pakistan’s fabric is widely used in the ready-made garments sector of Bangladesh,” he said, adding that Pakistani entrepreneurs were also providing technical knowledge, consultancy, machinery and investment to Bangladesh’s textile industry, playing an important role in its economy.
The envoy said Bangladeshi garments, including traditional dresses, were also appreciated in Pakistan. “By complementing each other, we can enhance our access to the global market,” he added.
Pointing out that Pakistan produced high-quality cotton while Bangladesh did not grow cotton, he said the textile and garments sectors of both countries had significant growth potential.
The High Commissioner said Bangladesh had a free and liberal economy attracting investment from many countries and invited Pakistani businessmen to explore investment opportunities there.
He noted that both countries were members of SAARC and D-8 and had arrangements for preferential trade, stressing the need to make these mechanisms more effective.
Referring to tourism, he said Pakistan and Bangladesh possessed immense tourism potential, with diversified landscapes, historical heritage, coastal areas, plains and mountains. He said he had visited various parts of Pakistan and found it a wonderful destination for tourists.
Bangladeshi youth love to visit Pakistan. I am confident that the tourism sectors of both countries will grow further as our relations strengthen,” he added.