A Pakistani cargo ship has reached Chittagong Port in Bangladesh after a long hiatus, marking a significant step forward in Pakistan-Bangladesh trade relations. This milestone is seen as a promising development toward strengthening the economic ties between the two nations.
Bangladesh, which was once part of Pakistan as East Pakistan, gained independence in 1971, with Pakistan recognizing it as a sovereign state in 1974. While the countries’ relationship has been strong, pro-India policies during Hasina Wazid’s tenure created a communication gap. However, with the support of the Students’ Revolution, the interim government now in power is working to normalize relations between the two nations.
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The 2300 TAU cargo vessel, which departed from Karachi, arrived at Chittagong Port recently. The Pakistan High Commission in Bangladesh welcomed the development, highlighting that this new sea trade route will improve supply chain efficiency, reduce transit time, and open up new business opportunities.
Javed Balwani, President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), expressed optimism about the revival of sea trade, particularly benefiting the textile and garment sectors. He called it a golden opportunity for Pakistani exporters to tap into the Bangladeshi market, boosting exports and positively impacting foreign exchange reserves.
Previously, trade between the two countries was routed through Sri Lanka or Dubai, and air connectivity had been suspended since 2018. Economists believe that reopening the sea corridor will significantly enhance trade volumes, signaling a new chapter in bilateral economic relations.
