Bangladesh government has made visa issuance easier for Pakistanis: High Commissioner

 Saturday, January 11, 2025

Lahore (UrduPoint News Today/ Pakistan Point News - NNI. 11th January, 2025) The current government of Bangladesh has simplified the visa process for Pakistanis in order to further strengthen trade and economic relations between the two countries. This was stated by Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Iqbal Hussain Khan while addressing the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In his address, Lahore Chamber President Mian Abuzar Shad spoke about trade and investment between the two countries and other issues.

Honorary Consul General of Bangladesh Qazi Humayun Farid, First Secretary of the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad Miss Khadija Akhtar, Executive Committee Members of Lahore Chamber, President of Sheikhupura Chamber Chaudhry Arif Hussain and Senior Vice President of Gujranwala Chamber Ahmed Naveed Ranjha also addressed the meeting.

The High Commissioner said that the Bangladesh government has simplified the visa process and eliminated the need for clearance from Dhaka for Pakistani heads of missions.

He added that increasing trade and investment between the two countries is among the future priorities for which the cooperation of the Lahore Chamber will play an important role. He said that Bangladesh is keen to further improve relations with Pakistan, which have not been very satisfactory during the last decade. He said that Bangladesh is a large consumer market with a population of 180 million from which Pakistan can benefit.

He said that Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus attaches importance to promoting regional cooperation. The High Commissioner stressed the need for greater cooperation among South Asian countries and the importance of making SAARC more active so that regional trade and cooperation can increase. He said that it is the responsibility of both countries to create trade opportunities for the current generation and remove obstacles in mutual cooperation.

He said that the Lahore Chamber has an important role to play in increasing trade and investment between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Lahore Chamber President Mian Abuzar Shad mentioned the trade figures and said that the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh was $718 million in the fiscal year 2023-24. Pakistan’s exports to Bangladesh were $661 million, while imports from Bangladesh were $57 million.

In the first five months of the fiscal year 2024 (July-November), Pakistan’s exports to Bangladesh increased to $314 million, while imports from Bangladesh were $31 million. Mian Abuzar Shad expressed his desire to increase the bilateral trade volume to at least $2 billion and requested both governments and the private sector to take decisions to achieve this goal. He said that the sectors of information technology, pharmaceuticals, rice, surgical instruments, processed foods, auto parts and sports goods can play an important role in this goal.

Mian Abuzar Shad further said that Pakistan’s major exports include cotton cloth, cotton yarn and cement, while footwear imports from Bangladesh are significant. He said that there is ample scope for trade development in these sectors. Mian Abuzar Shad assured the Bangladesh High Commissioner that the Lahore Chamber would provide full support in promoting trade and investment between Pakistan and Bangladesh. He said that the Lahore Chamber is ready to enhance dialogue between businesses and facilitate exchange of knowledge and information. Mian Abuzar Shad stressed the importance of continued cooperation between the two governments, business communities and diplomatic channels to build a strong economic partnership. He appreciated the role of Qazi Humayun Farid, Honorary Consul General of Bangladesh, who played a significant role in enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh.