Bangladesh Welcomes First-Ever Direct Cargo Shipment From Pakistan

For the first time, a cargo vessel from Pakistan docked directly at Bangladesh’s Chittagong Port, creating a historic maritime link between the two countries.

The ship, MV Yuan Xian Fa Zhong, arrived on November 13, carrying goods like raw materials for Bangladesh’s textile and ceramic industries.

Previously, trade between the two countries relied on third-party ports in nations like Singapore or Sri Lanka. This direct route is expected to cut shipping costs and speed up deliveries, according to a commerce ministry official.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, said this new direct shipping link is a big step forward for trade. He said it will make existing trade faster and open new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

The cargo ship, which started its journey from Dubai, stopped in Karachi to pick up goods for Bangladesh before heading to Chittagong. Officials from the Chittagong Port Authority called it a milestone moment in regional trade.

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, explores closer ties with Pakistan. Since taking charge in August, Yunus has focused on building stronger regional cooperation.

He recently met Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in New York during the UN General Assembly. During the meeting, both leaders talked about boosting trade and reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Experts see this move as a shift in Bangladesh’s foreign policy. Under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, relations with Pakistan were strained due to the country’s role in the 1971 Liberation War.

Political analysts believe this new trade link could impact Bangladesh’s ties with India, which has been a key ally for decades. Professor Imtiaz Ahmed said that reviving SAARC or forming new alliances without India’s support could be challenging.

While this direct shipping route is expected to boost trade, analysts say Bangladesh needs to carefully manage its diplomatic ties to maintain balance in the region.

References: FirstPost, The Hindu