BGMEA urges Pakistan to increase imports of Bangladeshi jute yarn and pharmaceuticals

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan today urged Pakistan to increase imports of Bangladeshi jute yarn and pharmaceutical products to reduce the bilateral trade imbalance and expand economic cooperation between the two countries.

He made the call during a meeting with Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider at the BGMEA office in the city, said a press release.

At the meeting, the BGMEA president also emphasised increasing imports of chemicals and dyes from Pakistan for Bangladesh's garment industry, highlighting the potential for expanding trade in both directions.

Although Bangladesh imports a significant volume of goods from Pakistan, including raw materials for the garment industry, its exports to the neighbouring country remain comparatively low, the release said.

The BGMEA president called for greater efforts to address the imbalance by exploring new export opportunities and strengthening commercial ties.

Pakistan high commissioner expressed keen interest in the proposals and assured that necessary steps would be taken to promote bilateral trade.

The meeting also discussed arranging visits by high-level business delegations from both countries to identify new opportunities and establish direct commercial links.

Haider said the Pakistan High Commission would facilitate business-to-business meetings and matchmaking sessions with leading Pakistani importers, brands, buyers and business associations if a Bangladeshi delegation comprising garment and other sector exporters visited Pakistan.

Both sides also exchanged views on expanding market access and exploring a possible bilateral preferential trade arrangement to sustain trade flows after Bangladesh's graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category.

The BGMEA president stressed the need to modernise logistics and reduce the transit time for maritime cargo transport between the two countries to facilitate trade.

The discussions also covered cooperation in textile technology, fashion education and skills development. The high commissioner proposed student exchanges and technical knowledge-sharing initiatives between the BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) and leading Pakistani textile and fashion institutes.

The meeting was attended by BGMEA Senior Vice-President Enamul Haque Khan, Vice-President Md. Rezwan Selim, Directors Shah Rayeed Chowdhury and Mohammad Sohel, BGMEA Secretary General Major General Dr. Md. Shahedul Islam (Retd) and senior officials of the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka.

Both sides expressed optimism that stronger trade and institutional cooperation would help deepen economic ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan.