Bangladesh High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan has announced that Mahan Air is likely to begin three weekly flights between Karachi and Dhaka from next month, marking a major development to boost trade and connectivity between the two countries.
Addressing the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), the envoy said the visa process has been simplified, with visas now being issued on the joint recommendation of LCCI and the Bangladesh Honorary Consulate. According to him, members will receive visas within three to four days, making travel faster and easier, according to ExpressTribune.
The high commissioner highlighted new trade avenues, noting that Pakistan could export rice to Bangladesh while Bangladesh could provide fresh pineapples. He also pointed to strong potential in textiles and readymade garments.
Khan revealed that a direct cargo shipping service is being launched soon. Although a cargo link has existed since December last year, increasing trade volume demands a dedicated direct route.
Touching on education, he shared that Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission will soon send a 12-member university delegation to Bangladesh to attract more Bangladeshi students. He also termed Pakistan’s tourism sector a promising field, emphasising the shared culture, history and values of the two countries.
LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol echoed these views, stressing that Pakistan and Bangladesh share a common heritage. He said Pakistan can expand rice exports, benefit from Bangladesh’s expertise in garments, and explore joint ventures in IT, automobiles and other sectors.
Bilateral trade currently stands at $700 million, but both sides believe it could reach $3 billion in the coming years. Saigol added that upcoming direct flights would accelerate trade growth and assured full support to the Bangladesh High Commission. He also accepted the high commissioner’s invitation to lead a business delegation to Dhaka, confirming that the visit will take place soon.
