Prime Minister's Adviser on Public Administration Ismail Zabiullah today (14 October) said a new prospect for trade expansion and industrial cooperation with Pakistan has emerged now.
"Discussions have commenced regarding strengthening existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan," he said during a courtesy meeting with Pakistan's High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider at his office.
The Pakistani high commissioner led a three-member delegation during the meeting.
Both the sides expressed interest in establishing sports equipment manufacturing plants in Bangladesh through joint ventures between Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and renowned sports equipment manufacturers from Sialkot, Pakistan.
The discussions also covered the potential for producing various types of balls and other sports gear, as well as technology transfer, skill development and the enhancement of local manufacturing capabilities.
Interest was also expressed in the exchange of experiences and training opportunities for athletes from both the countries. Emphasis was placed on establishing communication and taking necessary initiatives among the relevant institutions to achieve these goals at the meeting.
The Pakistan government has expressed interest in signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with relevant training institutions in Bangladesh to enhance the skills of government officials and facilitate mutual exchange of experiences.
The Pakistani high commissioner said that Pakistan is keen to sign MoUs between the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC) and Pakistan's National School of Public Policy (NSPP), as well as between the Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Academy and Pakistan's Civil Service Academy.
He further noted that 12 Bangladeshi government officials have already completed training in Pakistan, while training programmes for another 35 officials are currently underway. Such initiatives for fostering mutual understanding and the exchange of experiences among the government officials can play a vital role in reducing the trade deficit and expanding economic cooperation between the two nations.
Regarding the expansion of trade, the high commissioner noted that Pakistan has allocated a quota for the duty-free import of 10,000 metric tons of tea from Bangladesh annually. He stated that there is scope to increase Bangladeshi tea exports to the Pakistani market. Discussions were also held regarding the potential for exporting pineapples and shrimp from Bangladesh. Both the sides emphasized the importance of taking necessary initiatives to expand trade in these products.
As part of efforts to strengthen cooperation in the health sector, the Pakistani high commissioner expressed an interest in providing free liver transplants for 10 Bangladeshi patients annually at the 'Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Liver Center.' He also proposed training Bangladeshi doctors and nurses in liver transplantation procedures. It was hoped that this initiative would further enhance mutual cooperation and the exchange of expertise in the medical field between the two nations.
Discussions also took place regarding the potential for exchanging medical services and expanding medical tourism between the two countries. Furthermore, he highlighted the opportunities for increased mutual cooperation in sectors such as the pharmaceutical industry, tourism, the jute industry, education and aviation. He expressed his keen interest in sharing expertise on various sectors and expanding trade.
The Pakistani high commissioner said that the resumption of direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi after 14 years would play a significant role in enhancing people-to-people contact and strengthening bilateral relations.
During the meeting, both parties expressed optimism about expanding trade and investment and injecting new momentum into bilateral ties by leveraging opportunities for cooperation in areas of mutual interest.