Pakistan, Bangladesh Discuss Maritime Cooperation to Boost Trade

HC of Bangladesh to Pakistan met with Chairman

of the PNSC and discussed to enhance maritime

cooperation between the two nations

Staff Reporter

Karachi: In a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties, Md. Iqbal Hussain Khan, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan, along with S.M. Mahbubul Alam, Deputy High Commissioner, met with Sultan Ahmed Chawla, Chairman of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC). The discussion focused on enhancing maritime cooperation between the two nations.

Strengthening Maritime Ties

The High Commissioner praised Chairman PNSC for successfully implementing the January 14 agreement between Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and DG Food Bangladesh. Under this deal, PNSC’s vessel MV Sibi transported 26,000 tons of rice to Bangladesh.

Both sides emphasized the strong historical and cultural ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh. They also expressed commitment to boosting economic collaboration, with a key focus on launching passenger and cargo services between the two countries. This initiative aims to enhance trade, improve logistics, and strengthen people-to-people connectivity.

Expanding Trade and Logistics

His Excellency Md. Iqbal Hussain Khan expressed optimism about the positive impact of enhanced maritime connectivity on bilateral trade and diplomatic relations. Chairman Sultan Ahmed Chawla reaffirmed PNSC’s commitment to regional trade initiatives, ensuring smooth logistics between the two nations.

The PNSC Board of Directors, under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, is also eager to expand business opportunities and support trade facilitation.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their dedication to exploring new maritime collaborations for a prosperous future for Pakistan and Bangladesh. Khurrum Mirza (ED SP&PL), Captain Asim Iqbal (GM Commercial), and Muhammad Javid (Secretary PNSC) were also present at the meeting.