Pakistan- Bangladesh to Resume Direct Trade for the First Time after 1971

Pakistan and Bangladesh resumed direct trade for the first time after the separation of the two countries post the Bangladesh liberation war between East and West Pakistan (now, Bangladesh and Pakistan, respectively) in 1971. 

The trade agreement was finalised in the early days of February when Bangladesh agreed to purchase 50,000 tonnes of Pakistani rice from the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP). The first government-approved cargo was departed from Port Qasim, Pakistan. 

Trade After War

A Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) vessel will carry government cargo of 25,000 tonnes of rice to the Bangladeshi dock. The shipment will be completed in two phases, with the remaining half of Pakistani rice to be dispatched in early March.

This marks a significant milestone in maritime trade relations between the two countries who once fought a war.

After attaining independence from Pakistan in 1971, the transportation of goods via official trade relations could never be restored between the two states, until now. Under the new deal finalised in February, Bangladesh will import rice from Pakistan. This development will also foster positive economic cooperation and establishment of trade channels within Southeast Asia.