A 14-member delegation of the Cereal Association of Pakistan will depart for Bangladesh on Saturday to explore export opportunities for rice, corn, and other commodities, marking the first such visit following improved trade ties between the two countries.
Supported by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), the visit will be led by the association’s founding chairman, Muzzammil Rauf Chappal. During the weeklong trip, the delegation will visit business centers in Dhaka and Chittagong and meet with various trade bodies and stakeholders.
Chappal said there are significant opportunities for exporting rice, corn, and spices to Bangladesh, adding the delegation aims to strengthen bilateral trade ties and identify new markets.
He noted that bilateral trade has improved since the change of government in Bangladesh. He recalled that Pakistan had successfully exported 50,000 tons of rice at the government level earlier this year, noting Dhaka has shown interest in importing other food items.
Praising the efforts of TDAP, Chappal said the visit would not have been possible without its support. He emphasized the vast potential for bilateral trade and expressed exporters’ commitment to earning more foreign exchange for Pakistan.
During its visit, the delegation will meet officials and members of the Export Promotion Bureau of Bangladesh, the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Pakistan-Bangladesh Business Forum, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the Feed Industry Association of Bangladesh.
Chappal also acknowledged the role of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, crediting his personal efforts in making the visit possible. He further appreciated the full cooperation extended by the Pakistani embassy in Bangladesh. He hoped the visit would open new avenues for trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh.