DHAKA: Pakistan and Bangladesh held the 9th session of the Pakistan–Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in Dhaka, the first such meeting in 20 years.
The talks indicate a major step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and development sectors.
The meeting was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervez Malik, and Bangladesh’s Economic Affairs Adviser, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. Both leaders focused on the need to deepen collaboration in key areas, including industry, energy, information technology, climate change, and education.
Furthermore, Pakistan gave an offer to Bangladesh to utilize facilities at the Karachi Port Trust, enabling Dhaka to access trade routes with China, Central Asian republics, and other regional partners.
In this regard, both countries also underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation between their national shipping corporations to increase maritime connectivity.
🇵🇰 🇧🇩 Dhaka: Major Breakthrough in Pakistan–Bangladesh Relations
After 20 years, the 9th Pakistan–Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting was held in Dhaka — marking a major milestone in strengthening bilateral economic and development cooperation between the two… pic.twitter.com/q1o6bMwktu
— Eagle Eye (@zarrar_11PK) October 27, 2025
In addition, Pakistan and Bangladesh agreed to expedite efforts to launch direct flights between the two nations.
The initiative is expected to boost business, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Moreover, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Pakistan Halal Authority and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute (BSTI) to strengthen collaboration in Halal trade, product certification, and quality assurance.
Moreover, another highlight of the meeting was the proposal to establish a Pakistan–Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor, under which Pakistan announced 500 fully-funded scholarships for Bangladeshi students.
Additionally, under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Program, Islamabad increased training opportunities for Bangladeshi professionals from five to twenty-five slots.
Meanwhile, Minister Malik expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s warm hospitality, describing the discussions as “an indication of mutual respect, friendship, and a shared vision for regional prosperity.”
