Pakistan and Bangladesh Forge Historic Trade Partnership on 24 September 2025

Pakistan and Bangladesh Set Trade Goals – 24 September 2025

On 24 September 2025, Pakistan and Bangladesh renewed their commitment to strengthen economic cooperation. After high-level talks in Islamabad and Dhaka, both countries discussed reviving their Joint Economic Commission, increasing private sector partnerships, and setting a target to raise bilateral trade from the current USD 800 million to as much as USD 3 billion in the coming years.

Officials confirmed that regulations may be streamlined to attract investors, with tax incentives and simplified business visas forming part of the plan. Talks focused on potential joint ventures in pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing, minerals, agriculture, sugar, rice, and light industry, alongside possible modernization of port facilities and customs systems to cut shipping and logistics costs.

Both governments emphasized the role of the private sector to ensure that government-level discussions translate into tangible projects. New industrial collaborations—especially in textiles and garments, where Bangladesh has global expertise and Pakistan provides raw materials—are expected to drive early growth. Plans for renewable energy cooperation and technology exchange were also discussed as future possibilities to meet rising industrial demands.

Economic analysts view these steps as a positive signal for the entire South Asian region, noting that stronger Pakistan–Bangladesh ties could reshape regional trade balances and attract international investment. Experts caution, however, that lasting success will require transparent governance, legal protections for investors, and continued confidence-building to overcome the historic sensitivities of 1971.

If these initiatives move forward as planned, the partnership could create thousands of jobs, accelerate technology transfer, and enhance industrial capacity in both countries. The 24 September discussions highlight that Pakistan and Bangladesh are looking beyond past differences to pursue shared prosperity and sustainable economic growth, offering a model of constructive cooperation for the wider region.