DHAKA, Monday, October 27, 2025 (WNP): Pakistan and Bangladesh have revived their economic engagement after two decades as the 9th Session of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission (JEC) convened in Dhaka on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the two nations’ efforts to strengthen bilateral economic and development cooperation.

The session — held after a 20-year hiatus — was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Bangladesh’s Adviser for Finance, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides signed the Agreed Minutes of the 9th JEC, outlining substantial progress across a wide range of sectors including trade, investment, agriculture, industry, transport, education, information technology, banking, health, tourism, energy, climate change, textiles, and media cooperation.

A major outcome of the session was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Halal Trade between the Pakistan Halal Authority and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute, which will strengthen collaboration in the certification and standardisation of Halal products — a growing segment of global trade.

Pakistan also announced the establishment of a Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor, featuring 500 fully funded scholarships for Bangladeshi students, and a fivefold increase in training slots under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme (PTAP) — from 5 to 25.

Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in medical and religious tourism, as well as cultural exchanges to foster people-to-people ties.

In a major connectivity push, Pakistan offered Bangladesh the use of Karachi Port Trust as a regional trade hub for access to China and Central Asian States, while both nations agreed to work toward establishing direct air links to promote business and tourism.

It was also decided to set up Joint Working Groups on trade, maritime affairs, and information technology to ensure consistent follow-up and progress in priority areas.

The two countries expressed interest in exploring a concessionary trade arrangement and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, agriculture, and industry to promote inclusive and sustainable growth.

The 9th JEC concluded in an atmosphere of friendship, mutual respect, and renewed optimism, reaffirming Pakistan and Bangladesh’s shared resolve to strengthen bilateral relations and advance regional economic integration.

Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik extended his gratitude to the Government of Bangladesh and Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed for their warm hospitality and constructive engagement during the visit.