Pakistan and Bangladesh have restarted direct trade for the first time since their 1971 split.
On February 23, 2025, the first government-approved cargo shipment of 50,000 tonnes of rice left Port Qasim for Bangladesh, marking a historic milestone.
The agreement, finalized in early February, involves Bangladesh importing rice through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP).
A Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) vessel will deliver the cargo in two phases: 25,000 tonnes now and the rest by early March. This is the first official trade exchange since Bangladesh emerged from East Pakistan in 1971.
The Express Tribune reports this deal as a breakthrough in maritime trade relations. It reopens long-dormant channels, fostering economic cooperation between the nations. The thaw in ties followed Sheikh Hasina’s ouster as Bangladesh’s prime minister last year, with the interim government extending an olive branch, which was met by Pakistan’s positive response.
Experts see this as a step toward stronger economic bonds and direct shipping routes, signalling a brighter future for bilateral relations after decades of separation.
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