The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Islamabad

Foreign Adviser Dr. Ifekhar Ahmed Chowdhury called on Minister for Commerce Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Information Minister Sherry Rehman here on Thursday and on both occasions the need for greater bilateral cooperation was stressed.

During the discussion, the commerce minister emphasised the need for addressing the trade imbalance which is in favour of Pakistan.

Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury proposed larger imports from Bangladesh, particularly of raw jute, jute goods, pharmaceuticals and ceramics for all of which there is potentially a large Pakistani market.

It was agreed that lack of direct shipping links posed an impediment to trade. It was thought that the Joint Business Council could meet to "brainstorm" the issue and examine the possibilities of leasing vessels for dedicated Karachi-Chittagong routes and vice versa.

The possibility of an elimination or reduction of tariffs on both sides on a number of specific items for a short period as "early harvest" leading to an eventual Free Trade Agreement was considered worth examining. It was thought that some innovative ideas were necessary to bring "trade relations at par with the excellent political relations."

Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury requested Commerce Minister Abbasi, who belongs to PML (N) party, to convey greetings of the Bangladesh people to Mian Nawaz Sharif.

The foreign adviser who had met the Co-Chairperson of the PPP Asif Ali Zardari but could not meet Chairman PML(N) Nawaz Sharif, the partner in the coalition government, as the latter was in London.

The Information Minister Sherry Rahman, who is also the spokesperson of the PPP, briefed the foreign adviser on the various policies being adopted by the coalition government in Pakistan.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Yasmeen Murshed hosted a dinner in honour of the foreign adviser which was attended by a number of guests including federal ministers, senators, parliamentarians, senior officials, journalists and business leaders.