Karachi, 12 December 2022:

Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) representatives call on the Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi S. M. Mahbubul Alam at the Chancery. Member Managing Committee of KCCI and Chairman, Diplomatic Missions & Embassies Sub-Committee and CEO of ‘arfeen enterprises’, and ‘Hat Villa’ Mr. Zia-ul-Arfeen and Member Managing Committee of KCCI and Deputy Chairman, Law & Order Sub-Committee and CEO, Silver Reed International Ltd Mr. Sohail Ahmed called on the Deputy High Commissioner at the Chancery.

During the meeting, the Deputy High Commissioner S. M. Mahbubul Alam briefed the representatives and eminent businesspersons of KCCI that Bangladesh has been developing in all the socio-economic indicators. He highlighted the success stories of socio-economic progress in Bangladesh and mentioned that Bangladesh has become a ‘Role Model’ of socio-economic development in the world. The per capita income of Bangladesh is currently US2,824 and Bangladesh is currently among the five fastest growing economies in the world, ranking 41st in terms of GDP. He also mentioned that in Bangladesh current primary enrollment rate is over 98 percent. He briefed that the dynamic leadership and development-oriented policies of Bangladesh are key to Bangladesh’s development. The peace-loving and hard-working people of Bangladesh are the contributors of massive development of Bangladesh. He added in 1971 literacy rate in Bangladesh was only 18 percent, which is currently over 78 percent and the foreign currency reserves was almost nil in 1971 which has reached to over UD$48billions in the recent times. Deputy High Commissioner shared that Bangladesh is confident enough to implement megaprojects and as for example he cited that the construction 6.15- Kilometer Padma Bridge with a cost of over US$3.8 billion from her own source is a pride and symbol of confidence of Bangladesh. He further added that Bangladesh has already achieved ‘Vision 2021’ and is striving hard to achieve “Vision 2041” to become a higher middle-income country by 2031 and developed country by 2041.

Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) representatives highly lauded the impressive success stories of socio-economic developments of Bangladesh. They expressed their keen interest for wider trade and business with Bangladesh. They requested to make the visa policy for business people from Pakistan smooth and faster. They also requested to wider cooperation between the Chambers of Commerce and Industries between Bangladesh and Pakistan. They also emphasized on the possibility of inking MoUs with the relevant bodies in Bangladesh for wider business-to-business contacts. They commented that Bangladesh is an example of manufacturer of world class RMGs and quality Pharmaceutical Products. They highly appreciated the quality and potentials of Bangladesh’s Jute, Jute fibers and Jute products and leather and leather products, and tea. KCCI representatives expressed their optimism that the trade and commerce between the Bangladesh and Pakistan have huge potential to grow.

Deputy High Commissioner requested the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) to send business delegation to Bangladesh in an aim to explore more imports of Bangladeshi products and goods. He also requested them to participate in different internationals exhibitions to be hosted by Bangladesh. Deputy High Commissioner assured them of all possible supports for greater business-to-business contacts and exchanges of business delegations between Bangladesh and Pakistan.