ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bangladesh have stepped up efforts to improve maritime connectivity, with officials from both sides discussing plans for a ferry service and a direct shipping line as part of wider moves to expand trade, travel and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry met Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Iqbal Hussain Khan on Tuesday to discuss a proposal for launching a ferry service between the two countries as part of efforts to expand maritime connectivity and trade.
During the meeting, both sides explored the feasibility of introducing a passenger and cargo ferry route linking Pakistani and Bangladeshi ports, saying such a step could promote tourism, facilitate people-to-people contact and open new trade corridors across the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
The minister said a ferry service would not only provide a cost-effective transport option but also serve as a symbolic and practical step towards strengthening economic relations. He added that improved maritime links could help diversify trade routes and reduce logistical constraints faced by exporters and importers in both countries.
The two officials also discussed the possibility of establishing a direct shipping line between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Minister Chaudhry noted that the absence of a direct maritime route currently forces goods to be routed through third countries, increasing transit time and costs. A dedicated shipping link, he said, would add a new dimension to bilateral commerce and enhance supply chain efficiency.
Both sides agreed that enhanced maritime connectivity could contribute to broader regional economic stability by encouraging trade integration and cooperation among South Asian economies.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of a gradual thaw in relations between Islamabad and Dhaka over the past several months. Diplomatic engagement has increased, with high-level contacts, trade discussions and renewed interest in practical cooperation in areas such as shipping, aviation and commerce after years of limited interaction.
Officials noted that recent exchanges between the two countries have focused on rebuilding confidence and exploring mutually beneficial economic initiatives rather than remaining confined to historical grievances. The discussion on ferry and shipping links was seen as part of this wider effort to translate improved diplomatic engagement into tangible economic collaboration.
Both Pakistan and Bangladesh reiterated their intention to expand trade and economic cooperation and expressed commitment to turning longstanding historical ties into a forward-looking economic partnership grounded in connectivity, commerce and regional cooperation.
