LAHORE – In a landmark address that charts a bold new course for bilateral relations, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, His Excellency Iqbal Hussain, unveiled a comprehensive suite of initiatives designed to dramatically deepen economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties between the two brotherly nations.
The announcement was made during a keynote engagement at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), where Mr. Hussain was warmly received by LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol.
A Vision for Enhanced Connectivity
At the core of the High Commissioner’s vision is a significant upgrade in physical connectivity. He announced that Mahan Air is likely to commence three weekly flights between Karachi and Dhaka starting next month. This move, long awaited by the business community, is poised to unlock immense trade and tourism potential.
From Bureaucracy to Business-Friendly
Demonstrating a commitment to tangible progress, High Commissioner Hussain highlighted a major simplification of the visa process. “To facilitate the business community, visas are now being issued on the joint recommendation of the LCCI and the Bangladesh Honorary Consulate in Lahore,” he stated, assuring that approvals will be granted within a swift three to four days.
A Multi-Sector Blueprint for Growth
Moving beyond generalities, Mr. Hussain presented a clear-eyed blueprint for collaboration across key sectors:
- Trade & Commerce: He identified immediate opportunities in the exchange of Pakistani rice for Bangladeshi fresh pineapples and underscored significant potential in textiles. To support growing trade volumes, he announced that a direct cargo shipping service will be launched soon, building on the existing cargo link started last December.
- Education & Knowledge Exchange: In a forward-looking move, the High Commissioner revealed that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan will soon dispatch a delegation of twelve universities to Bangladesh, aiming to attract more Bangladeshi students and foster academic collaboration.
- Tourism & Culture: He passionately highlighted the untapped potential of Pakistan’s tourism sector for Bangladeshi visitors, emphasizing the shared culture, history, and values that make travel between the nations a natural fit.
Unlocking a $3 Billion Future
Echoing the High Commissioner’s optimism, LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol affirmed the strong historical and cultural bonds between the two countries. He noted that while current bilateral trade stands at approximately $700 million, the direct flights and new initiatives lay the groundwork to elevate this figure to an ambitious $3 billion in the coming years. Mr. Saigol positively responded to the High Commissioner’s invitation to lead a delegation to Bangladesh, signaling a new chapter of direct engagement.
Through his detailed and action-oriented announcements, High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain has firmly positioned himself as a central architect of a revitalized and profoundly interconnected future for Pakistan and Bangladesh.
BY: Nadeem Faisal Baiga
