Direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan are expected to begin next month.
Mahan Air is expected to begin operating three weekly flights between Karachi and Dhaka starting next month, according to a Tuesday announcement made by Bangladesh’s High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan.
This would be a big step towards improving connectivity and trade between the two friendly countries.
The High Commissioner, who was speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), noted that the visa application procedure has been made simpler. He mentioned that visas are now granted based on the combined advice of the Bangladesh Honorary Consulate in Lahore and LCCI.
He went on to say that members will have their visas in three to four days, which will facilitate and expedite travel between the two nations.
LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol welcomed the High Commissioner. Also in attendance were former EC Member Naeem Hanif, EC Member Shouban Akhtar, Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, and Bangladesh High Commission official Mahfujol Hassan.
Faheemur Rehman Saigol, President of the LCCI, highlighted the cultural and historical connections between Bangladesh and Pakistan, characterising the two nations as having a shared past. According to him, Pakistan may boost its rice exports to Bangladesh and ask Bangladesh for advice on the apparel industry.
He pointed out that there are chances for both countries to work together in the automotive, IT, and other sectors. Trade between the two countries is currently worth about 700 million dollars, but in the next years, it might reach $3 billion.
Direct flights would further improve trade relations, Saigol continued, and LCCI is prepared to offer the Bangladesh High Commission its full cooperation in this respect.
President Saigol accepted the High Commissioner’s invitation to lead a delegation to Bangladesh and announced that a delegation would be travelling there shortly.
The High Commissioner highlighted trade prospects by stating that Bangladesh can provide Pakistan with fresh pineapples and Pakistan may export rice to Bangladesh. He also noted that ready-made clothing and fabrics have a lot of promise.
A direct cargo transportation service will be introduced shortly, he said. Although there has been a cargo service between the two nations since December of last year, a dedicated direct freight route is now necessary due to the increased demand for commerce.
The High Commissioner urged cooperation between the two nations in the field of education. In an effort to encourage more Bangladeshi students to study in Pakistan, the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan will shortly dispatch a delegation to Bangladesh that includes representatives from twelve universities.
He also emphasised the significant potential in Pakistan’s tourist industry. The High Commissioner emphasised the two countries’ linked history, culture, and values, characterising them as intimately related and cohesive as a single community.