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The Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Karachi, S.M. Mahbubul Alam, has announced plans to organize an exhibition for Pakistani importers and exporters in collaboration with the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI).
The exhibition is set to be held in Hyderabad, with a focus on enhancing trade relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Additionally, he invited the local business community to participate in Bangladesh’s Annual Trade Exhibition, scheduled for January 2025 in Dhaka, assuring a streamlined visa process to facilitate their attendance.
Mr. Alam shared these details while addressing members of the Hyderabad Chamber at its Secretariat. He noted that the Interim Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Dr. Yunus, has emphasized the need to capitalize on every opportunity to boost trade between the two nations.
“The purpose of my visit is to strengthen business-to-business connections. Bangladesh is a highly attractive market for Pakistani traders, and I invite the HCSTSI delegation to visit Bangladesh,” Mr. Alam said. He also pledged to personally oversee the visa process to ensure timely facilitation for the traders.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s robust export economy, Mr. Alam mentioned that the country exports products to 80 countries annually, generating billions of dollars in revenue. However, he stressed the importance of expanding these trade figures, especially by fostering stronger relations with Pakistan. He further announced that direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh will soon be launched, a development expected to significantly enhance trade and business ties.
HCSTSI President, Muhammad Saleem Memon, welcomed Mr. Alam and emphasized that Pakistan and Bangladesh share a rich history, culture, and long-standing trade relations. He also commended the significant progress in bilateral trade, referencing the successful completion of the first-ever direct cargo shipment from Pakistan to Bangladesh on November 11, 2024.
Memon encouraged Bangladeshi trade delegations to participate in exhibitions held in Pakistan and urged the Bangladesh High Commission to facilitate Pakistani traders in attending trade events in Bangladesh. He argued that such initiatives would further strengthen trade cooperation between the two countries.
Addressing some of the hurdles in trade, Memon highlighted challenges faced by Pakistani goods in clearing customs in Dhaka and called for swift solutions. He also suggested the establishment of a direct trade line between Pakistan and Bangladesh to reduce time and costs. To facilitate smoother trade delegations, Memon proposed simplifying the visa process for HCSTSI members and recommended forming a liaison committee to streamline these operations.
The event also featured addresses by Muhammad Al Nasir, Convener of Diplomatic Affairs, Salahuddin Abbasi, In-charge of the TDAP Hyderabad Sub-Regional Office, and Dr. Ismail Farooq Nami. Former HCSTSI Presidents, including Farooq Shaikhani, Akram Ansari, Saleemuddin Qureshi, Dr. Iqbal Motlani, and Aamir Shahab, actively participated in the discussions, which were attended by members of the Executive Committee, conveners, and a large number of General Body members.
