Pakistan Hopes for $3 Billion Trade As Ties Improves With Bangladesh

Pakistan's top business chamber has set its sights on increasing exports to Bangladesh to $3 billion over the next few years, as the two South Asian neighbours look to strengthen trade and rebuild relations after decades of strained ties.

According to an Arab News report, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) outlined the target during the 48th DyeChem Bangladesh 2025 Expo in Dhaka, one of the region's leading trade exhibitions for textile and chemical industries.

FPCCI Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, alongside Pakistan's High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider, inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion at the event.

"Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, SVP FPCCI, has stated that Pakistan's exports to Bangladesh can be enhanced to $3 billion within a couple of years from the current export volume of approximately $800 million," the FPCCI said in a statement.

"Whereas medium-term export potential to Bangladesh stands at $5–7 billion."

Highlighting the opportunity, the FPCCI described Bangladesh as a "global textile and apparel powerhouse," and a prime market for Pakistani dyestuffs and textile chemicals.

"The 48th DyeChem Bangladesh 2025 Expo provides a direct pathway to connect with a $47 billion textile and apparel industry that continues to grow year after year," Magoon said, according to the FPCCI.

High Commissioner Haider, meanwhile, pledged full support to Pakistani exporters entering the Bangladeshi market.

The push for greater trade comes as Pakistan and Bangladesh take steps to rebuild political and economic relations. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar visited Dhaka in August, in what was seen as a breakthrough trip to reset ties.

Islamabad has sought closer engagement with Dhaka since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a student-led uprising in August 2024, which shifted Bangladesh's foreign policy priorities.

Tensions between Bangladesh and India have grown following New Delhi's decision to grant Hasina asylum after she fled the country. In contrast, Pakistan and Bangladesh launched direct sea trade last year and expanded government-to-government commerce earlier this year.