KARACHI: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), in partnership with the Pakistani trade mission in Bangladesh, is set to send two major trade delegations to Bangladesh in a bid to strengthen bilateral trade ties, a statement said on Saturday.

The first delegation, focusing on Pakistan’s dates industry, will consist of 13 leading exporters and is scheduled to depart for Bangladesh on January 19 (today) for a week-long engagement. A citrus delegation will follow, leaving on January 20 to engage in business-to-business (B2B) meetings aimed at expanding the country’s export footprint in the Bangladeshi market.

TDAP CEO Zubair Motiwala mentioned the untapped trade potential between Pakistan and Bangladesh, stating, “We are committed to exploring opportunities that will unlock new trade avenues. A key initiative includes an upcoming single-country exhibition in Bangladesh, aimed at showcasing Pakistani products and services.”

Although Pakistan is among Bangladesh’s top 10 import partners, there remains considerable room for expansion in sectors such as textiles, agriculture, foodstuffs, chemicals and base metals. The two countries have been in discussions since 2002 regarding a free trade agreement (FTA), which could enhance trade volumes and cooperation, said the statement.

The upcoming delegations reflect the growing commitment of both nations to strengthen their trade and economic relationship. As Motiwala noted, “We are confident that these delegations will foster greater trade and investment, benefitting the economies of both nations.”