In a renewed push to deepen economic ties, Bangladesh’s Adviser for Commerce, H.E. Sk. Bashir Uddin, and Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, H.E. Syed Ahmed Maroof, jointly inaugurated the Pakistan-Bangladesh Business Forum 2025 in Dhaka on Sunday.

The forum, which brought together a multi-sectoral business delegation from Pakistan, featured representatives from the textiles, sports goods, sportswear, and maize sectors. The event aimed to explore new opportunities for trade and commercial collaboration between the two South Asian nations.

In his opening remarks, Adviser Bashir Uddin emphasized the untapped potential in bilateral trade and called for stronger engagement between business communities. “We have shared goals and shared aspirations,” he said.

"We need to find enablers, and I am sure there are many opportunities which can resonate and create true business opportunities.”

He further assured participants of the interim government’s full support in facilitating trade and investment partnerships.

High Commissioner Maroof echoed the sentiment, noting the complementary nature of the two countries’ economies and the dynamism of their private sectors.

He stressed the importance of reducing trade barriers and building institutional linkages, calling the forum a "timely and important initiative" for fostering mutually beneficial economic cooperation.

A key highlight of the event was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs): one between the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association, and another between the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association (PHMA).

Business leaders from both sides expressed optimism that the forum would pave the way for greater connectivity, deeper collaboration, and expanded trade flows in the months ahead.

—