Bangladesh, Pakistan agree to push bilateral trade to $1b
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
Bangladesh and Pakistan agreed to redouble efforts to achieve US$1.0 billion target set for bilateral trade, address market access and removal of tariff barriers for export of Bangladesh products to Pakistan market, reports UNB.
The agreement was reached at the 5th round of Bangladesh-Pakistan Foreign Secretary Level Bilateral Consultations held in Islamabad Monday, according to a release received from Islamabad Tuesday.
Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes led the seven-member Bangladesh delegation while Pakistan Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir led the Pakistan delegation.
Bangladesh specifically sought duty-free market access for value added jute products and urged Pakistan to review its sensitive list.
Both sides agreed to promote bilateral investments including joint ventures, and cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, science & technology, education and culture.
The foreign secretaries agreed to ease visa procedures and to enhance connectivity by direct shipping and through increased flights between the two countries.
The two sides also agreed to initiate cooperation in counter-terrorism and other security related issues.
On Bangladesh's request, Pakistan agreed to provide access to information and database particularly on geological survey and archeological excavation conducted by Pakistani agencies before 1971.
The consultations lasted for three hours during which the outstanding issues between the two countries were raised by the Bangladesh Foreign Secretary.
The agreement was reached at the 5th round of Bangladesh-Pakistan Foreign Secretary Level Bilateral Consultations held in Islamabad Monday, according to a release received from Islamabad Tuesday.
Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes led the seven-member Bangladesh delegation while Pakistan Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir led the Pakistan delegation.
Bangladesh specifically sought duty-free market access for value added jute products and urged Pakistan to review its sensitive list.
Both sides agreed to promote bilateral investments including joint ventures, and cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, science & technology, education and culture.
The foreign secretaries agreed to ease visa procedures and to enhance connectivity by direct shipping and through increased flights between the two countries.
The two sides also agreed to initiate cooperation in counter-terrorism and other security related issues.
On Bangladesh's request, Pakistan agreed to provide access to information and database particularly on geological survey and archeological excavation conducted by Pakistani agencies before 1971.
The consultations lasted for three hours during which the outstanding issues between the two countries were raised by the Bangladesh Foreign Secretary.