TDS Desk:

Adviser to the interim government on the

Ministries of Finance and Commerce Dr Salehuddin Ahmed Tuesday put emphasis on

expediting the existing trade and commerce relations between Bangladesh and

Pakistan which had long been remained stagnant.

“Trade and commerce with Pakistan had long been stagnant due to various

reasons and we’ll have to,” he said.

The Adviser was talking to reporters after the Pakistan High Commissioner to

Bangladesh Syed Ahmed Maroof met him at his ERD office in the capital’s Sher-

e-Bangla Nagar area Tuesday.

When asked about boosting the bilateral trade, Dr Salehuddin said he

suggested the Pakistan high Commissioner to pursue and engage more the

private sector in this regard rather than relying only on G2G process.

He said the Pakistan High Commissioner had shown their keen interest in

Bangladesh’s jute products since it is very attractive having a wide

variation of products.

“It was beyond their imaginationthey will participate in an exhibition and

they will try to promote and import more jute-made goods if their

entrepreneurs are convinced. Our businesses can also import products from

them if they are convinced,” he added.

Salehuddin said Pakistan will also try to relaunch direct flight like Dhaka-

Karachi if that is commercially viable.

Regarding boosting economic cooperation, the Finance Adviser said there are

some issues like technical assistance while projects could be taken in joint

cooperation. “But, many surrounding matters like interests of both the

countries should have to be considered”

Noting that Pakistan wants to start the economic cooperation strongly, he

said, “But, it can’t be open or launch quickly we can’t start

immediately, rather we have to make some homework which is also similar to

them.”

The Pakistan High Commissioner said they have a wonderful discussion

regarding the economic and trade relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

“We discussed every aspect of that and we are looking forward to have a

greater and in-depth economic and trade cooperation as well as interaction

with Bangladesh in the coming years,” he added.

Asked about the possible cooperation from Pakistan under the current

circumstances, the Pakistan envoy said, “At the moment, we feel that the

assistance that we can provide we again reiterated that the post flood

situation in Bangladesh where we can provide some assistance and we are

waiting. The offer stands as made by our Prime Minister like several days ago

when he called the Chief Adviser,”

“So, that offer is still there and I shared this with the Finance Adviser and

we are ready to assist Bangladesh, the government and the people in post

flood relief efforts.” added the Pakistan High Commissioner.