LAHORE – SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s former president Iftikhar Ali Malik said on Sunday that in light of recent MoUs, the volume of Pakistan-Bangladesh trade could increase to $5–7 billion annually within the next five years, up from the current $1.2 billion. In a statement, he noted that the current trade volume of $1.2 billion does not reflect the full potential of the two countries. With mutual cooperation, improved connectivity, and reduced trade barriers, the trade volume could realistically reach $5–7 billion annually within five years. He emphasized that new MoUs provide a framework to address key bottlenecks such as banking channels, customs facilitation, and logistical hurdles. Enhanced people-to-people contacts, participation in trade fairs, and exchange of business delegations can further build confidence between the business communities of both countries. Promoting joint ventures and investment opportunities in Special Economic Zones would also boost industrial collaboration. He added that regional integration was another crucial factor. Reviving SAARC economic cooperation and placing renewed focus on intra-regional trade can create a win-win scenario not only for Pakistan and Bangladesh but for the entire South Asian region. By prioritizing economic diplomacy over political differences, both countries could ensure sustainable growth, generate employment, and reduce dependency on extra-regional markets.
