Dhaka (TDI): Ali Pervaiz Malik, Pakistan’s Minister for Petroleum met with Md. Touhid Hossain, Adviser on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh. The Minister apprised the Adviser about the outcomes of the 9th Joint Economic Commission (JEC).
Both sides expressed satisfaction over the resumption of meetings of the institutional mechanisms. They agreed to further explore opportunities of collaboration in a range of areas including connectivity, energy and natural resources.
The Adviser emphasized the importance of resuming direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Malik thanked Hossain for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit.
Malik also had separate meetings with Bangladesh’s Adviser on Commerce and Adviser on Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.
The 9th Session of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission (JEC) was convened on Monday, after a hiatus of 20 years, as both countries are opening up to each other since the fall of the previous government in Dhaka, last year.
The JEC made an important milestone in the resumption of bilateral economic and development cooperation between the two South Asian countries.
Read More:Â Pakistan, Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission Resumes After Two Decades
The meeting was co-chaired by Ali Pervaiz Malik and Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Bangladesh’s Advisor for Finance.
At the conclusion of the session, both sides signed the agreed minutes of this 9th session of JEC. An MoU on Cooperation in Halal Trade between the Pakistan Halal Authority and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute was also signed.
Both sides agreed to explore a concessionary trade arrangement and reaffirmed commitment towards better trade, agricultural and industrial cooperation to promote sustainable and inclusive growth.
The meeting recognized progress in multiple areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment and industries, agriculture, transport and communications, education, information technology, banking, health, and tourism; among others.
Pakistan also highlighted the establishment of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor, which includes an offer of 500 new and fully funded scholarships for Bangladeshi students.
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