Zakir Hossain / Dhaka
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif has invited Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to visit Islamabad to deepen bilateral trade, during their meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York.
Yunus expressed condolences over Pakistan’s flood victims. Sharif blamed climate change for the disaster. Adviser Shafiqul Alam said both sides discussed expanding trade.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin and Pakistan PM’s Trade Coordinator Ihsaan Afzal Khan explored boosting trade and investment. Bashir noted Bangladesh needs 50 million tonnes of stone annually, calling for greater engagement. Khan said, “We want to significantly increase trade volume by strengthening direct contacts, exchanging trade missions and reducing barriers.”
Meanwhile, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni is expected in Bangladesh in December to discuss expanded economic cooperation and safe migration, officials said after her meeting with Muhammad Yunus at the UNGA.
Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said, “There was a discussion about safe migration. Many Bangladeshis die in the Mediterranean. Both sides agreed to address this issue.” Meloni proposed forming an Italy-Bangladesh Business Forum.
The two countries had earlier agreed to enhance cooperation against organised crime, human trafficking, terrorism and cybercrime.