The Economic Diplomacy Forum (EDF), Pakistan, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh in Karachi to promote bilateral trade, investment and institutional cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement was signed during a high-level seminar organised by EDF to explore opportunities for strengthening Pakistan–Bangladesh economic relations. The event brought together senior diplomats, former ambassadors, government officials, business leaders and representatives from various sectors.
H.E. Muhammad Sakib Sadakat, Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh, signed the MoU on behalf of the Deputy High Commission, while Dr Muhammad Farooq Afzal, Founder President of EDF, represented the forum.
MoU outlines framework for trade and investment
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation in promoting bilateral trade and investment opportunities, facilitating business-to-business networking and organising trade seminars, conferences and business delegations.
Pakistani Sufi Music Bridges Cultures in Italy
It also encourages the exchange of economic and commercial information and aims to strengthen institutional links and people-to-people contacts.
Both sides will work to identify mutually beneficial business opportunities and expand engagement between the private sectors of Pakistan and Bangladesh.
EDF calls for stronger economic diplomacy
Addressing the seminar, Dr Muhammad Farooq Afzal highlighted the role of economic diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations.
He emphasised the potential to expand trade, investment and business partnerships between the two countries, stressing the importance of sustained engagement between their private sectors.
H.E. Muhammad Sakib Sadakat also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of stronger economic and commercial relations and the need to explore new avenues of cooperation.
Diplomats and business leaders discuss bilateral opportunities
Ambassador Rafiuzaman Siddiqui, former High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh, shared his diplomatic perspective on bilateral relations. He highlighted the importance of continued dialogue, mutual understanding and constructive engagement in advancing cooperation.
Zubair Motiwala, former Chief Executive of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), discussed the commercial dimensions of bilateral relations. He highlighted opportunities to increase trade and strengthen connections between business communities in both countries.
Irfan Soomro, Director General at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also addressed the seminar, contributing to discussions on diplomatic engagement and closer economic relations.
Seminar highlights potential for broader cooperation
Participants exchanged views on increasing bilateral trade, identifying investment opportunities, facilitating business partnerships and strengthening economic connectivity.
The discussions highlighted opportunities for cooperation in trade, industry, investment and other areas of shared economic interest.
Kaleem Farooqi, Patron of EDF, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to the Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh, speakers, diplomats, business leaders and participants for their contributions.
The event concluded with a renewed emphasis on sustained dialogue, institutional partnerships and practical initiatives to strengthen economic ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
According to EDF, the MoU marks an important milestone in its efforts to advance economic diplomacy and develop lasting partnerships with international diplomatic missions and institutions.
