Karachi, 23 February 2024:

Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi, S. M. Mahbubul Alam visited Sukkur Division on 23 February 2024. The Commissioner Sukkur Mr. Fayaz Hussain Abbasi receives Bangladesh Deputy High Commission at his Office in Sukkur. Other officials including Deputy Director, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) were also present.   

Deputy High Commissioner expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude for the warm welcome and the cordial hospitality extended to him. Deputy High Commissioner took the opportunity to focus on the success stories of Bangladesh. He highlighted that Bangladesh is now among the five fastest growing economies in the world, ranking 35^th in terms of GDP. He added that the per capita income of Bangladesh is USD2,824 and the income and purchasing power of the people of Bangladesh including those living the rural areas have increased. Bangladesh has been working to make all the civic amenities available in the villages. Bangladesh has already achieved 100% electricity coverage across the country. Bangladesh has 100% primary enrollment and 100% child vaccination track record.

 Deputy High Commissioner further mentioned that the potential of trade and commerce and investment in Bangladesh is huge. He elaborated on the exclusive facilities and incentives Bangladesh offers for foreign investment. He further mentioned that Bangladesh has been working to establish 100 Specialized Economic Zones (SEZs) with foreign investment-friendly policies across the country. Foreign investors are being attracted to invest in Bangladesh and few countries have already established their industries SEZs in Bangladesh. He further mentioned that the ‘Digital Bangladesh’ initiative has stimulated transformative impacts on industrialization, and on socio-economic development. Highlighting different mega projects in Bangladesh such as Padma Bridge, Metro Rail, Bangabandhu Tunnel under Karnaphuli River, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Deep-Sea Port, and Bangabandhu Satellite-1, Deputy High Commissioner mentioned that Bangladesh will a trillion dollar Economy and the 9^th largest consumer market in the world by 2041. Government of Bangladesh has been striving to implement “Vision-2041” to turn Bangladesh into an upper middle-income country by 2031 and Developed and Smart Bangladesh by 2041 and building a prosperous and climate-resilient delta by 2100.

Commissioner Sukkur was highly impressed by the success stories of Bangladesh. Profoundly appreciating the socio-economic progress in Bangladesh, he expressed his willingness to know more about the child education, primary heath care, women empowerment, rural development policies and initiatives, disaster management issues and so forth in Bangladesh. Commissioner Sukkur also mentioned that there is huge potential for stronger trade and economic relations between the two countries. He mentioned that businesspeople of Sukkur are willing for wider business relations for mutual benefits of both Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi S. M. Mahbubul Alam assured the Commissioner Sukkur for all possible cooperation from the Mission.