The Bangladesh-Pakistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting, the first in two decades, concluded in Dhaka with discussions focused on bilateral trade and cooperation across several sectors.
Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed reported that Pakistan expressed interest in importing jute from Bangladesh. The two-day session, which aims to enhance trade, reduce non-tariff barriers, and expand collaboration, covered areas like agriculture, IT, food, aviation, and shipping. Both sides also emphasized the need to revive SAARC regional cooperation.
Despite Pakistan's interest, Bangladesh's export of jute and jute yarn to Pakistan saw a 36 percent year-on-year decline to $3.58 million in the July-September quarter of FY2026. However, overall Bangladesh exports to Pakistan grew 17 percent in the same period, reaching $18.48 million.
The JEC, which last met in 2005, is led by Finance Adviser Ahmed for Bangladesh and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik for Pakistan.
Annual trade between the two nations currently remains below $1 billion, with Bangladesh importing $787 million and exporting only $80 million in FY2025.
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