Pakistan-Bangladesh Trade Relations Resume After 50 Years: New Opportunities for Growth
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- February 24, 2025
- 10:45 am
- 31
- Business
Pakistan-Bangladesh trade relations have taken a historic turn. After more than five decades, both nations have resumed direct trade. A Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) vessel carrying 50,000 tonnes of rice has left Port Qasim for Bangladesh. This is the first direct shipment between the two countries since 1971.
A Major Step in Bilateral Trade
In early February, Bangladesh finalized a deal to import rice from Pakistan through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP). The shipment will be delivered in two phases. The first 25,000 tonnes have already left, while the remaining batch will arrive in early March.
For the first time in over 50 years, a PNSC vessel will dock at a Bangladeshi port with government-approved cargo. This marks a new era in economic cooperation between the two nations. It also opens trade routes that remained closed for decades.
Pakistan-Bangladesh Trade Relations Improve
Tensions between Pakistan and Bangladesh have eased in recent months. This change followed Sheikh Hasina’s departure as Bangladesh’s prime minister last year. Since then, diplomatic exchanges between the two countries have increased. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim chief adviser, has met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif twice. These meetings indicate a fresh start in economic and political ties.
Trade Revival Amid Economic Challenges
Resuming trade with Pakistan comes at a crucial time for Bangladesh. The country has been facing a rice shortage due to floods and economic instability. Until now, it relied heavily on Indian imports. By buying rice from Pakistan, Bangladesh is securing a competitive price and diversifying its trade sources.
International relations expert Amena Mohsin sees this as a key step. She believes Bangladesh is strengthening its trade ties with Pakistan while managing its relationship with India.
More Trade Opportunities Ahead
Business experts are optimistic about this trade revival. Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem from the Centre for Policy Dialogue believes this rice deal will open doors for further trade between the two nations. Now that maritime trade has resumed, Bangladeshi businesses can explore new opportunities in Pakistan.
In November, private companies from both countries helped facilitate the first direct maritime shipment since 1971. That shipment paved the way for the current government-level trade agreement. Experts predict that Pakistan-Bangladesh trade relations will continue to grow, unlocking new economic potential.
