ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bangladesh have agreed to strengthen bilateral trade, investment, industrial cooperation and connectivity by fostering closer ties between the private sectors of the two countries.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between a high-level delegation from Bangladesh, led by Rashid Al Mahmud Titumir, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Finance and Planning, and Pakistan’s Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, in Islamabad on Monday, according to a statement issued by the Finance Ministry.
Aurangzeb underscored the importance of strengthening economic engagement and institutional cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to exchange views on matters of mutual economic interest and shared development priorities.
Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb Meets Bangladesh Delegation, Discusses Bilateral Economic Cooperation
A high-level delegation from Bangladesh, led by Mr. Rashid Al Mahmud Titumir, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Finance and Planning, called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, at the Finance Division today.
The Finance Minister warmly welcomed the delegation and underscored the importance of strengthening economic engagement and institutional cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to exchange views on matters of mutual economic interest and shared development priorities.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged perspectives on the evolving global economic environment, challenges facing developing economies, and the importance of maintaining macroeconomic stability while pursuing sustainable and inclusive growth. The discussions also covered economic reforms, fiscal management, investment promotion, and measures to strengthen economic resilience.
Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb shared Pakistan’s experience in pursuing macroeconomic stabilization and implementing structural reforms aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline, improving economic fundamentals, and creating a conducive environment for private sector investment. He highlighted the importance of prudent debt management, financial sector development, and sustained reform efforts in supporting long-term economic growth.
Mr. Rashid Al Mahmud Titumir shared Bangladesh’s economic priorities and reform initiatives, including efforts to promote investment, industrial development, and employment generation. Both sides acknowledged the value of exchanging experiences and best practices in addressing common economic challenges and advancing their respective development objectives.
The meeting also explored opportunities for enhanced bilateral trade, investment, industrial cooperation, and connectivity. Both sides recognized the potential for closer collaboration in manufacturing, textiles, and other areas of mutual economic interest, including through stronger linkages between the private sectors of the two countries.
The Finance Minister welcomed the proposal for closer institutional engagement, particularly in the areas of public financial management and debt management, and expressed Pakistan’s willingness to share its experiences and facilitate technical-level exchanges between the relevant institutions of the two countries.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular dialogue and strengthening bilateral economic cooperation through continued engagement and exchange of expertise in areas of mutual interest.
The visiting delegation included H.E. Mr. Iqbal Hussain Khan, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan, and Mr. Fazle Lohani Babu, Deputy High Commissioner.
— Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) November 2, 2026
Economic reforms and macroeconomic stability
During the meeting, both sides exchanged perspectives on the evolving global economic environment, challenges facing developing economies, and the importance of maintaining macroeconomic stability while pursuing sustainable and inclusive growth.
The discussions also covered economic reforms, fiscal management, investment promotion, and measures to strengthen economic resilience.
Muhammad Aurangzeb shared Pakistan’s experience in pursuing macroeconomic stabilisation and implementing structural reforms aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline, improving economic fundamentals, and creating a conducive environment for private sector investment.
He highlighted the importance of prudent debt management, financial sector development, and sustained reform efforts in supporting long-term economic growth.
Rashid Al Mahmud Titumir briefed the Pakistani side on Bangladesh’s economic priorities and reform initiatives, highlighting efforts to attract investment, promote industrial development, and generate employment. Both sides underscored the importance of sharing experiences and best practices to address common economic challenges and advance their respective development goals.
Pakistan, Bangladesh explore opportunities for trade and industrial cooperation
The discussions also focused on expanding bilateral trade, investment, industrial cooperation and connectivity. Both sides identified opportunities for closer collaboration in manufacturing, textiles and other sectors of mutual economic interest, particularly through stronger partnerships between the private sectors of the two countries.
The Finance Minister welcomed the proposal to strengthen institutional cooperation, particularly in public financial management and debt management. He expressed Pakistan’s willingness to share its expertise and facilitate technical-level exchanges between relevant institutions.
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BBoth sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular dialogue and further strengthening economic cooperation through continued engagement and the exchange of expertise in areas of mutual interest.
The visiting delegation included Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan, and Deputy High Commissioner Fazle Lohani Babu.
Pakistan and Bangladesh have witnessed a marked increase in high-level engagement over the past 18 months. The two countries are seeking to build a forward-looking partnership centred on economic cooperation, regional connectivity and mutually beneficial engagement.
Bilateral trade stood at $865 million in 2024-25, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both countries are working to expand bilateral trade.
