Bangladesh simplifies visa process for Pakistanis, says envoy

Tariq Butt, Correspondent

Bangladesh has simplified the visa process for Pakistanis, with an objective to further strengthen trade and economic relations, a move that became possible only after the ties between the two countries tremendously improved in the wake of the ouster of the Hasina Wajid government.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Iqbal Hussain told the business community at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) that the present government in Bangladesh has removed the need for clearance from Dhaka for Pakistani heads of missions while issuing visas.

He said that increasing trade and investment between the two countries must be a top priority to move forward. He stressed collaboration with LCCI to achieve this goal.

Hussain stated that the Bangladeshi government is eager to improve relations with Pakistan, which had been less than satisfactory over the past decade. He said Bangladesh, with its population of 180 million, represents a significant consumer market that Pakistan has the potential to tap. He said the trade potential between the two countries remains largely untapped, and Pakistan has the capacity to capitalise on it.

The diplomat also mentioned the efforts of Dr Mohammad Yunus, the chief adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, for regional cooperation. He called for greater collaboration between South Asian countries and stressed the importance of revitalising the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) to enhance regional trade and cooperation. Despite growing regional cooperation globally, South Asia still faces challenges which require collective efforts to overcome.

The High Commissioner said that it is the responsibility of both countries to create opportunities for the current generation and remove obstacles to mutual trade and cooperation. He said LCCI has an influential role in fostering increased trade and investment between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

He also reflected on the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic and how it underscored the importance of international cooperation, stating, "It is essential to recognise that nations must collaborate in times of crisis to keep trade flowing smoothly,” he added.