A Pakistani trade delegation has urged Bangladesh to help introduce direct shipping link to boost bilateral trade between the two countries. A six-member trade delegation team of All Pakistan Bed-sheets and Upholstery Manufacturers' Association (APBUMA) expressed the idea in a meeting with Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), President, Zafar Osman at his office, a DCCI announcement said Saturday.
The meeting discussed development of bilateral trade between the countries. 'There were many opportunities to develop bilateral trade relations between the two countries and we should utilise these opportunities, the DCCI President said.
Osman stressed on quality production and diversification of goods in the export sectors. He recommended setting up of joint venture industries in Bangladesh with Pakistan to get quota free access given by European Union, Canada and other countries.
Osman urged Pakistani businessmen to come forward to invest in Chittagong Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) and World Trade Centre in the south-eastern port city. Further, head of Pakistani trade delegation, S Mohammad Aasim stressed on taking initiative for direct export facility through sea-route. Its expressed their interest on investment in Bangladesh, a press release said.
The DCCI Vice President, Md Sirajuddin Malik and DCCI Directors were also present during the meeting. The DCCI sources said, trade between the two countries has increased about 20 percent in recent times and ways are now being discussed to establish a direct Karachi-Chittagong shipping link in near future. The meeting also put on record that presently, 50 Pakistani companies have an investment of $90 million in Bangladesh.