Bangladesh, Punjab to Boost Cooperation in Trade, Agriculture, and Industry

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has emphasized the deep cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, describing the two nations as branches of the same tree. She expressed a strong interest in fostering partnerships with Bangladesh, particularly in the development of industrial clusters and digital skills training programs.

Her comments came during a meeting in Lahore with Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain. Both leaders agreed to expand bilateral cooperation across the sectors of trade, industry, and agriculture.

Maryam Nawaz commended Bangladesh’s impressive progress in the garments industry and microfinance sector, along with its efforts to empower women in the workforce. She affirmed Punjab’s readiness to engage with Bangladesh in areas of industrial advancement and digital skill-building.

The Chief Minister noted that Punjab had exported 50,000 tons of premium-quality rice to Bangladesh in January 2025. She also highlighted the province’s capacity to offer world-class laboratory services, as well as exports of surgical instruments and medical equipment.

Welcoming Bangladesh’s recent efforts to streamline visa procedures, she called it a sign of growing mutual trust. She also supported the idea of establishing a Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Chamber of Commerce in both Lahore and Dhaka and pledged full support for Bangladeshi investors through Punjab’s one-window business facilitation centers.

Additionally, Maryam Nawaz expressed interest in Punjab’s participation in Bangladesh’s upcoming Vision 2030 “Women First” summit. In response, High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain praised her commitment to welfare and development initiatives in Punjab.