DHAKA, Oct 27, 2025 (BSS) – Bangladesh and Pakistan have reaffirmed their strong commitment to elevate their bilateral economic, trade, and investment cooperation to a new strategic level.

This was expressed at the 9th meeting of the Bangladesh-Pakistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC) held in the capital today after a gap of 20 years at the NEC Conference Room in the city’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area.

The Bangladesh delegation was led by Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Adviser to the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of Bangladesh. The Pakistan delegation was headed by Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister for Petroleum, Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) of Pakistan.

The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, energy, research and higher education, banking, tourism, sports, and climate change, said an ERD press release. 

Both the parties emphasized the considerable untapped potential for greater collaboration in trade and investment. 

The two sides expressed interest in enhancing connectivity through the establishment of direct shipping links, expansion of air services, and increased utilization of ports and logistics to reduce costs and improve efficiency in bilateral and regional trade. 

The release said the meeting was conducted in a cordial and constructive atmosphere. 

The meeting has a historic significance being held after almost two decades since the last meeting was held in 2005. The resumption of the JEC reflects the strong commitment of both countries to revitalise and deepen their economic partnership. 

Recent high-level engagements between the two countries have been highlighted in this meeting. These efforts have contributed in creating positive momentum and a conducive environment for translating political goodwill into tangible economic outcomes.

Both parties emphasised the considerable untapped potential for greater collaboration in trade and investment. 

Both sides expressed interest in enhancing connectivity through the establishment of direct shipping links, expansion of air services, and increased utilization of ports and logistics to reduce costs and improve efficiency in bilateral and regional trade. 

At the sidelines of the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in Halal Trade between the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) and the Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA).

Maqsura Noor, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Industries, government of Bangladesh and Imran Haider, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective governments.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening bilateral relations in the days ahead. It was mutually agreed that the 10th meeting of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) will be held in Islamabad at a time convenient to both parties.