Direct air connectivity between the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, and Pakistan’s major port city, Karachi, is expected to commence as early as December. The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan, Iqbal Hossain Khan, confirmed that preparations are underway, with Mahan Air planning to operate three weekly flights on the Karachi–Dhaka route. This development is being hailed as a significant milestone in enhancing bilateral trade and strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two South Asian nations, which have seen a renewed interest in mutual cooperation.
Speaking at a high-profile event hosted by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the High Commissioner highlighted that the visa process for Pakistani nationals, particularly the business community, has been significantly simplified. Visas are now being granted within three to four working days based on the joint recommendations of the LCCI and the Bangladesh Honourary Consulate in Lahore. This streamlined process is designed to facilitate quicker travel and foster more frequent interactions between entrepreneurs from both sides. In terms of trade opportunities, Mr Khan suggested that Pakistan could expand its rice exports to Bangladesh, while Bangladesh has the capacity to supply fresh pineapples and other tropical fruits to the Pakistani market. He also underscored the immense potential for collaboration in the textile and ready-made garment sectors.
Beyond air travel, the High Commissioner mentioned the imminent launch of a direct cargo shipping service to meet the rising demand for logistics. Although a cargo service has been operational since last December, the increase in trade volume necessitates a dedicated direct route. According to the Express Tribune, Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission is also set to send a delegation from 12 universities to Bangladesh to encourage more Bangladeshi students to pursue higher studies in Pakistan. Tourism was also identified as a sector with vast potential for growth. LCCI President Faheemur Rahman Saigal noted that while current bilateral trade stands at approximately 700 million US dollars, there is a realistic possibility of it reaching 3 billion US dollars in the coming years. He added that direct connectivity would be a catalyst for this growth, particularly in joint ventures involving IT and the automobile industry, areas where both countries have unique strengths.
GLIVE/TSN